Date, time, cast, guest judges

On January 4, 2025By Littum

“Gentlemen, start your engines,” because the newest season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premieres this week.

Hosted by the famous RuPaul Charles, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is a reality competition series where drag queens compete for cash, lifetime supplies of cosmetics and undoubtedly the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” The series’ 17th season premieres on Friday.

Considered “the most exuberant season in her history,Season 17 of drag queens from Los Angeles to New York to Chattanooga, Tennessee. A few past champions, including Season 9 titleholder Trinity the Tuck, will make guest appearances along with other celebrities including Katy Perry and Quinta Brunson.

Here’s what you need to know about when and where season 17 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will be available.

When does season 17 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ premiere?

Season 17 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premieres at 8:00 PM EST on Friday, January 3rd.

How to Watch Season 17 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’

Season 17 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premieres live on MTV at 8:00 PM EST on Friday, January 3rd. New episodes will be released at 8:00 PM EST every Friday until the 16-episode season ends.

For viewers who don’t have cable, the season is available on streaming services Hulu, Paramount+ and Prime Video. The season is also available via live TV services such as Pluto TV, fuboTVPhilo, Fandango at Home and YouTube TV.

Watch the trailer for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ season 17

Which drag queens are starring in season 17 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’?

Fourteen drag queens will appear on season 17 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”:

Acacia Forgot of Los Angeles, California
Arrietty from Seattle, Washington
Crystal Envy from Asbury Park, New Jersey
Hormona Lisa from Chattanooga, Tennessee
Jewelers Sparkles in Tampa, Florida
Joella from Los Angeles
Kori King of Boston, Massachusetts
Lana Ja’Rae from New York, New York
Lexi Love from Louisville, Kentucky
Lucky Starzzz from Miami, Florida
Lydia B Collins of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Onya Nurve from Cleveland, Ohio
Sam Starr from Leeds, Alabama
Suzie Toot of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Who are the guest judges on season 17 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’?

Each episode of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” features a celebrity guest judge who joins the permanent lineup of RuPaul and Michelle Visage. Carson Kressley, Ross Matthews and Ts Madison are among three rotating judges who also appear in each episode.

The official Season 17 trailer teases the following guest celebrity judges:

Katy Perry
Quinta Brunson
Sam Smith
Adam Lambert
Tracee Ellis Ross
Law Roach
Paul W. Downs
Whitney Cummings
Hunter Schafer
Jerrod Charmichael
June Diane Raphael
Julia Schlaepfer
Doechi
Sandra Bernard
Betsy Johnson

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Greta Cross is a national trends reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].