In shady times, let there be light.
Join RuPaul, the world's most famous drag queen, as the host, mentor and judge for the ultimate in drag queen competitions. The top drag queens in the U.S. will vie for drag stardom as RuPaul, in full glamazon drag, will reign supreme in all judging and eliminations while helping guide the contestants as they prepare for each challenge.
Browse every episode and jump into details.
Jan 2, 2026 · 1h 8m
In shady times, let there be light! A dazzling new cast of queens navigate the first challenge of the season: “Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!” The queens must repurpose leftover treasures from the Drag Race vaults to create their own signature drag look. Superstar Cardi B guest judges.
Jan 9, 2026 · 1h 3m
The queens sing and dance in rival “Q-Pop” girl groups: the “Q” standing for quintessentially queer, with tracks inspired by Sylvester, Wham! and The Runaways. Actress and singer Dove Cameron guest judges.
Jan 16, 2026 · 1h 3m
Live from Tuckahoe, RDR Live returns! The queens must once again serve up laughs in the hilarious send-up of the iconic sketch comedy show. Actress and comedian Sarah Sherman (Saturday Night Live) guest judges.
Jan 23, 2026 · 1h 3m
The queens must create show-stopping looks inspired by a mash-up of two different legendary red carpet looks. Broadway star Annaleigh Ashford (Wicked, Legally Blonde) and superstar stylist Law Roach guest judge.
Jan 30, 2026 · 1h 3m
It’s judgement day, as half of the queens take the stage to perform a show-stopping talent number, while the other half watch and rate the performances. Swedish singer Zara Larsson guest judges.
Feb 6, 2026 · 1h 2m
Alliances form and schemes are hatched, as the other half of the cast takes to the stage for their talent show, and to be rated by their sisters. Musician Amy Taylor (Amyl and the Sniffers) guest judges.
Feb 13, 2026 · 1h 2m
The queens are tasked with creating twisted parodies of political ads. Choreographer Jamal Sims (Aladdin), and singer-songwriter Leland guest judge.
Feb 20, 2026 · 1h 2m
RuPaul throws the queens a curveball by giving the classic celebrity impersonation game show a format twist. Actress and model Brooke Shields guest judges.
Feb 27, 2026
This season’s Rusical is inspired by a mashup of the classical Broadway musical Annie, and New York City ballroom culture. Record producer Benny Blanco guest judges.
Mar 6, 2026
Mar 13, 2026
Mar 20, 2026
Mar 27, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
Apr 10, 2026
Apr 17, 2026
Quick answers about this season's release timeline and episode lineup.
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 premiered on January 2, 2026.
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 has 16 episodes.
The season opens with Season 18 Episode 1, "You Can't Keep A Good Drag Queen Down!". It aired on January 2, 2026.
Go to Season 18 Episode 1