How to Watch ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16: 2024 Premiere and Episode Guide

By Angela Tricarico
Published Jan. 5, 2024, 4:00 p.m. ET
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The search for America’s next drag superstar is back on with the premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. 14 new queens from across the country will compete for the crown — and $200,000.

This season, episodes will return to the 90-minute format after last season’s 60 minute episodes caused a fan uproar. Season 16 will also have a two-part premiere; in Episode 1, viewers will meet 7 of this season’s queens and they’ll compete in a talent show challenge. Next week’s Episode 2 will feature the second half of the cast and their talent show.

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked is also set to return for a 15th season, airing immediately after new episodes of the main series.

You’ve got questions about the new season, and of course, we have answers. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know before tuning into RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16.

What Time Does RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 Come On?

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 premieres tonight, January 5, at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.

The 1 hour and 20 minute long episode will be followed up with the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked, the companion series that lets viewers in as the Queens spill the tea on that week’s competition.

How to Watch RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16:

Season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race is airing exclusively on MTV. If you have cable, that means all you’ll have to do is tune into MTV at 8 p.m. ET on Friday nights. You can also watch MTV online or using the MTV app by logging in with your cable credentials.

If you don’t have cable, you can get MTV with the following live TV streaming services:

  • Sling TV: MTV is available as part of the Entertainment Extra ($6.00/month) add-on package, but you’ll need a Sling base plan ($20.00/month+) first.
  • Philo: MTV is included in Philo’s base plan ($25.00/month).
  • Hulu + Live TV: Get MTV with Hulu + Live TV’s base plan ($76.99/month)
  • Fubo: Fubo’s base “Pro” plan ($74.99/month) has MTV included.
  • DirecTV Stream: MTV is part of DirecTV Stream’s Entertainment + Sports Pack, which is currently $50 off (just $69.98/month for the first two months).

Will RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 be on Paramount+?

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to watch Season 16 of RuPaul’s Drag Race on Paramount+ until the entire season has aired. Last year, Season 15 didn’t join the streamer’s lineup until August, so it’s likely it’ll be the same case this season.

Can You Purchase Episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16?

If Season 16 follows Season 15’s model, you’ll be able to purchase new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race individually on streaming retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV the day after they air on MTV.

Check Out the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 Preview:

Who is in the Cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16?

Meet the Queens of Season 16 below by clicking through to their respective Instagram pages.

Who Are the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 Guest Judges?

Actress Charlize Theron will join the judges panel as the “extra special guest judge” in the Season 16 premiere. Adam Shankman, Becky G, Icona Pop, Isaac Mizrahi, Jamal Sims, Joel Kim Booster, Kaia Gerber, Kelsea Ballerini, Kyra Sedgwick, Law Roach, Mayan Lopez, Ronan Farrow, and Sarah Michelle Gellar are also set to appear on Season 16.

How Many Episodes Are in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16?

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 will have 16 episodes, per a rep for the show.

Assuming the show airs one episode per week without skipping any weeks, the finale will likely air on April 19.

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