RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 Premieres January 2

The 18th season of RuPaul's Drag Race premieres Friday, January 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on MTV, introducing 14 new drag performers from across the United States as they compete for the title of America's Next Drag Superstar, a $200,000 cash prize and a collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics. Hosted by RuPaul Charles, the episode titled "You Can't Keep a Good Drag Queen Down!" features a design challenge called "Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!," where contestants repurpose salvaged items from the show's historical vault to create signature runway looks.

The season marks a milestone with the first-ever mother-daughter duo on the program: Athena Dion and her drag daughter, Juicy Love Dion, who enter the competition together. This pairing is expected to bring unique family dynamics to the werkroom, as the queens showcase their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent in weekly challenges. The full cast includes Briar Blush, Ciara Myst, Darlene Mitchell, DD Fuego, Discord Addams, Jane Dont, Kenya Pleaser, Mandy Mango, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco and Vita VonTesse Starr.

Joining RuPaul at the judges' table are longtime panelists Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross...