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‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16: How to Watch the Reality Competition Series Online

The new season returns to MTV this Friday, Jan. 5.

RuPauls Drag Race how to watch online free

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“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is back.

The Emmy-winning reality competition series — which returns to MTV for its 16th season on Jan. 5 — will star 14 new drag queens competing for the $200,000 grand prize and the title of America’s next drag superstar. If you don’t have MTV, you can still catch the episodes live on DirecTV Stream, Philo and Sling TV — which all offer free trials. MTV is also available on Hulu + Live TV and Fubo TV.

While MTV isn’t available in every country, you can still stream the new season if you’re outside of the U.S thanks to a variety of VPNs, which allow users to legally sign into another countries’ services. The best deal is on ExpressVPN, which boasts an easy installation process and affordable monthly subscription cost. Plus, they’re currently offering a 30-day free trial.

The two-part series premiere will feature the queens showing off their stuff in the annual talent show, which has become a mainstay on the series. This year, however, the show — which will be themed separately for MTV’s Spring Break and the “Queen Choice Awards” — will feature a new twist in the competition: “Rate-A-Queen.” After the performances have ended, the contestants must rank their fellow queens’ performances to determine the tops and bottoms of the week.

The aftershow “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked” is also returning, airing immediately following the series.

The “Drag Race” franchise accumulated nine Emmy nominations during the 2023 season. The nominations, including those for outstanding reality competition program and outstanding casting for a reality program, make “Drag Race” the most nominated reality program of the year. 

Stream “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 16 on DirecTV beginning Jan. 5.