Where to stream RuPaul’s Drag Race: What Most People Get Wrong

Where to stream RuPaul’s Drag Race: What Most People Get Wrong

Honestly, trying to figure out where to stream RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2026 feels like a full-time job. You’d think by Season 18, they’d make it easy. Nope. It’s a mess of licensing deals and "who owns what this week."

If you’re sitting there on a Friday night with your snacks ready, only to find out your favorite platform doesn't have the new episode, I get it. It sucks. Between MTV, Paramount+, and that niche WOW Presents Plus app, the "drag race" isn't just on the runway—it’s you racing to find the right login.

Where to stream RuPaul’s Drag Race right now (the honest truth)

If we're talking about the current main season—Season 18, which just kicked off in January 2026—your options depend entirely on how much you’re willing to spend and whether you care about watching "live."

In the United States, MTV is the primary home. But here is the kicker: MTV doesn't have its own standalone streaming app anymore. You basically have two choices if you want to see the queens walk the runway the second it happens.

The Live TV Route

You need a "skinny bundle." These are those internet-based cable replacements.

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  • Philo: This is generally the cheapest way to go. It’s about $33 a month. You get MTV and a DVR feature so you can skip those annoying commercials.
  • Hulu + Live TV: Much more expensive, roughly $90, but you get Disney+ and ESPN included.
  • Sling TV: You specifically need the "Entertainment Extra" pack on top of their base Orange or Blue plans to get MTV.
  • YouTube TV & Fubo: Both are hovering around $83-$85. Great interfaces, but pricey if you only want it for the drag.

The "I Can Wait" Route

If you don't mind being 24 hours behind and dodging spoilers on Twitter (or X, whatever), you can buy the season on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Usually, the episode drops about a day after it airs.

And then there's Paramount+. This is where everyone gets confused. In 2026, Paramount+ is the home for All Stars, but for the regular seasons, they usually don't drop the episodes until the entire season has finished airing on MTV. If you're looking for Season 18 there right now, you’re gonna be disappointed.


Why is it so different outside the US?

If you’re in the UK, Canada, or Australia, you actually have it easier. It’s weirdly simpler to be a fan abroad.

For most of the world, WOW Presents Plus is the undisputed king. For about $5 or $6 a month (depending on your local currency), you get almost everything. The main US show, the Untucked episodes, and the international versions like Drag Race Philippines or the new Drag Race South Africa.

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However, there are "blackout" zones.

  • Canada: You usually have to go through Crave.
  • Australia: Stan has the exclusive rights to most of the franchise down under.

The All Stars 10 Situation

Wait, let's talk about All Stars 10. That was the big "Tournament of Champions" style season that aired in mid-2025. That one is on Paramount+. If you are trying to find where to stream RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Paramount+ is your home base. They’ve basically split the franchise in half: Main seasons stay on cable (MTV), All Stars goes to streaming (Paramount+).

Is it annoying? Yes. Does it work? Apparently, because we all keep paying for it.

Current Season 18 Cast & Context

Just to keep your facts straight while you search: Season 18 started on January 2, 2026. We’ve got 14 queens this time around. There’s a lot of buzz about the "Miami Mafia"—Athena Dion, Mia Starr, and Juicy Love Dion. Fun fact: Juicy Love Dion is the daughter of Season 16’s Morphine Love Dion, and Athena is the grandmother. It’s a literal family dynasty on screen this year.

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Quick guide to the spinoffs

  • Untucked: Usually follows the main show on MTV or is bundled with your season purchase on VOD.
  • Global All Stars: Mostly on Paramount+, though Season 2 is currently in a bit of "will-they-won't-they" limbo between Paramount and World of Wonder.
  • International Versions: Stick to WOW Presents Plus for these. It’s the only way to keep your sanity.

What you should actually do next

Stop scrolling through Netflix. It’s not there. They only have a few legacy seasons (usually 11-13) in random international markets.

Here is your 2026 game plan:

  1. Check if you have a Paramount+ sub for all the past seasons and All Stars.
  2. If you want Season 18 live, grab a Philo free trial or subscription.
  3. If you’re outside the US, just get WOW Presents Plus and call it a day.
  4. If you’re traveling, use a VPN (NordVPN or ExpressVPN are the standard recs) to set your location to the US or UK so your apps actually work.

Go get your fix. The runway waits for no one.