Racers, start your engines — RuPaul is back for another exciting hit of glam and drama with the premiere of Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race airing on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. This season promises to be one of the most spectacular yet, featuring 14 new queens competing for the coveted title of "America's Next Drag Superstar" and an impressive cash prize of $200,000.
This season introduces fresh elements, including the thrilling new twist known as the Badonka Dunk Tank. This feature offers contestants one last chance at staying on the show but at the risk of dunking guest judge Michelle Visage — how’s THAT for pressure? The excitement doesn’t end there; the guest judge lineup is also star-studded with personalities like Katy Perry, Quinta Brunson, Paul W. Downs, Hunter Schafer, Sandra Bernhard, and Tracee Ellis Ross, among others scheduled to make appearances throughout the season.
For viewers eager to tune in, RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 will air on MTV every Friday night at 8 p.m. ET. But don’t worry if you don’t have traditional cable; there are plenty of alternative ways to catch the episodes live or on demand.
Philo is one of the most cost-effective options, offering access to over 70 live channels, including MTV, for just $28/month. They also provide new users with a one-week free trial, making it easy to dip your toes without committing.
Sling TV is another choice for viewers. Although it’s slightly pricier, starting at $46/month, it features customizable packages where you can mix and match to suit your viewing needs, plus current promotional discounts bringing the first month to less than $30. Just note, the MTV channel requires the Entertainment Extra add-on.
DirecTV Stream and Fubo also present avenues for cable-free access to live premieres. DirecTV Stream subscriptions kick off at $87/month, but entitle you to numerous networks and features like 65,000 on-demand titles. Meanwhile, Fubo’s packages begin at $80/month and specialize in sports coverage and extensive on-demand options, with free trial periods to get started.
For those wanting to catch up on past seasons, Paramount+ has all 16 prior seasons available on demand, ready for binge-watching at your convenience. It's worth noting all current seasons typically become available on the platform after the finale airs, so patience might be required if you catch new episodes there.
Viewers away from home can still keep up with all the queens on RuPaul's Drag Race with the help of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), allowing access to these services as if you were back in the US. Just be mindful of local regulations and streaming terms.
The premiere episode, titled "Squirrel Games," introduces the contestants as they engage in the 'Ru Light, Green Light' game, showcasing their various talents and personalities right off the bat. The competition is fierce as the queens vie for the crown, impressing RuPaul and the judges with their creativity and charisma.
This 17th season of RuPaul's Drag Race marks the show's continuation of delivering iconic performances and memorable moments, all under Ru's inspirational leadership as host and mentor. Episode by episode, as one queen stands tall each week, the stakes get higher and the drama intensifies, promising to keep viewers coming back for more.
So gather your friends, grab some popcorn, and don’t miss the return of one of reality television's most beloved competitions. Whether you're cheering for your favorite queen or simply enjoying the glittering spectacle, RuPaul's Drag Race is set to deliver yet again with fabulous fashion, fierce lip-syncs, and loads of laughter. Tune in tonight — it’s going to be fierce!