RuPaul’s Drag Race, a staple of American entertainment, is now in its 17th season. Hosted by RuPaul Charles for sixteen seasons, the competition showcases a vibrant array of drag queens vying for cosmetics, cash, and the coveted title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. The stakes remain high, attracting a diverse and talented cast for each season.
This season features fourteen new queens, hailing from various locations across the United States: Arrietty (Seattle), Acacia Forgot and Joella (Los Angeles), Hormona Lisa (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Jewels Sparkles (Tampa), Crystal Envy (New Jersey), Sam Star (Alabama), Lucky Starzzz (Miami), Kori King (Boston), Lana Ja’Rae (New York), Onya Nurve (Cleveland), Suzie Tootoo (Fort Lauderdale), Lexi Love (Louisville), and Lydia B Kollins (Pittsburgh). The judging panel includes returning judges Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, Michelle Visage, and Ross Mathews, alongside a star-studded lineup of guest judges such as Adam Lambert, Law Roach, Whitney Cummings, Betsey Johnson, Quinta Brunson, Sandra Bernhard, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Sam Smith. Pop star Katy Perry, who famously attributes her career success to drag queens, even served as a guest judge for the season premiere.
RuPaul’s Drag Race premiered on Logo TV in 2009 and has since aired on VH1 and is currently broadcast on MTV. Season 17 premiered on Friday, January 3rd, 2025, at 8 PM PST (11 PM EST), with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Fridays. Viewers can watch live on MTV or through streaming services such as YouTube TV, Pluto TV, FandangoNOW, Prime Video, Paramount+, and Hulu. The season concludes after sixteen episodes.
Looking ahead, fans can rejoice! A casting call in September 2024 confirmed the production of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18, continuing the reign of this iconic competition series.