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Date: Early January 2026 (Projected)
Host: RuPaul
Judges: RuPaul and Michelle Visage
Rotating Judges: Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and Ts Madison
Network: MTV and Paramount+
Since its 2009 premiere, RuPaul’s Drag Race, which follows the search for “America’s next drag star,” has become a global hit in countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Spain.
In addition to proving a hit with audiences, the reality competition series has won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program four consecutive times.
RuPaul has also won the Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program eight times in a row and recently received a tenth nomination.
RuPaul’s Drag Race’s global popularity and ratings mean season 18 is set to air on MTV in January 2026, offering more must-see fashion, comedy, and lip-syncing.
Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, the co-founders and executive producers of World of Wonder, recently announced the renewal news to the delight of fans.
The duo wrote in a recent press release, “RuPaul’s Drag Race will return to MTV for its 18th season following a standout year, with season 17 delivering the highest-rated premiere in seven years. Onya Nurve made herstory as well, becoming the first queen from Cleveland to snatch the crown as America’s Next Drag Superstar. Also returning is the Emmy Award-winning after-show, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked.”
Following the renewal announcement, RuPaul posted a video on YouTube, which said, “We are so grateful to our fans for all the love and support you’ve shown to our show and to our beautiful and talented queens. Thank you.”
The good news doesn’t stop there, as World of Wonder also confirmed season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars will premiere on Paramount+ in the spring or summer of 2026, and it is followed by a new season of All Stars: Untucked.
The 2026 Cast
RuPaul’s Drag Race wouldn’t be the same without the show’s host, RuPaul, who also serves as a mentor and head judge on the show, and he’ll be back for season 18.
Fans will be pleased to know Michelle Visage is expected to return to the judging panel. Also, rotating judges are expected to appear on the show, including Carson Kressley, Ts Madison, and Ross Matthews.
Like past seasons, guest judges are expected to join the panel and critique the contestants’ fashion designs and performances.
The Rumored 2026 Contestants
While there hasn’t been an official announcement about the 2026 contestants, the following people are widely rumored to compete on the eighteenth season:
Fortunately, you don’t need to wait too long to find out if the rumors are true. The Meet the Queens cast announcement is expected to take place between late November and mid-December 2025.
If the above names are accurate, RuPaul’s Drag Race will welcome the first queen from South Carolina, Kenya Pleaser.
Also, mother and daughter, Athena Dion and Juicy Love Dion, may appear on the show together.
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