“RuPaul's Drag Race” returns for a dazzling 18th season featuring a fresh lineup of queens! The new season begins on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET and is the perfect way to welcome in a new year. You can choose to watch it on MTV or Paramount+, but our expert recommendation is to watch it on MTV with a five-day free trial to DIRECTV.  

How to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18

• When: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET
• TV: MTV
• Stream: Watch with a five-day free trial to DIRECTV and on Paramount+.
• From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a VPN.

Everything you need to know about ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18

When do episodes air?

The new season kicks off on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET with a 90-minute episode. After that, you can tune in for a new episode every Friday.

Why we recommend DIRECTV to watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18

We recommend watching “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 18 on DIRECTV. You will get access to a generous selection of national broadcast and cable channels without a traditional cable contract. You can even take advantage of a five-day free trial to get a feel for the features and channels before subscribing.

5-Day Trial

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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

$59.99+ / month

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Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

Can you watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 for free?

You will be able to watch one or two episodes of Season 18 for free. However, if you’d like to watch the entire season, you’ll need to pay for a subscription.

DIRECTV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV all offer free trials of varying durations. Our experts like DIRECTV for its five-day trial, which is the longest guaranteed trial in the industry. Hulu + Live TV’s trial runs for three days. Other options, like YouTube TV and Fubo, are not as straightforward, and the factors aren’t public information. You will have to go through the signup process to learn how long your trial is. YouTube TV’s trial can last anywhere from two days to two weeks, while Fubo’s lasts one to seven days.

Where else can you stream ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18

We recommend watching MTV on DIRECTV, but there are other ways to check out the new season. Paramount+ Premium subscribers have the option to tune in live. All Paramount+ subscribers will have a chance to stream it on demand beginning on Saturday, Jan. 3.

Watch a trailer for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18

About ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18

The exciting new season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” puts 14 queens from across the country against each other. Each brings their own unique style and skill set to the stage. They’re all in it to win it and hope to be crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar and take home a $200,000 prize.

On the show, the drag queens will compete in a series of challenges, hoping to wow RuPaul and a panel of judges. The season kicks off with a unique challenge, with each queen paying tribute to a previous contestant. To do this, they’ll have access to “leftover treasures from the Drag Race vaults.”

This season features the following queens.

RuPaul’s Drag Race

February 2, 2009

Join RuPaul, the world’s most famous drag queen, as the host, mentor and judge for the ultimate in drag queen competitions. The top drag queens in the U.S. will vie for drag stardom as RuPaul, in full glamazon drag, will reign supreme in all judging and eliminations while helping guide the contestants as they prepare for each challenge.