Racers, start your engines! The latest season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" is just around the bend.
The first episode of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 18 premieres on Friday, Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. ET on MTV. The season features 14 drag queens from across the country competing to be "America's Next Drag Superstar" and win a cash prize of $200,000.
In the debut episode, the queens will compete in their first challenge, "Reclaim! Renew! Rejoice!," using leftover treasures from the Drag Race vaults to create their own signature looks, according to a Paramount news release. Following the premiere, new episodes will drop each Friday evening through April.
Ahead of the series premiere, "Drag Race: The Experience" opened in Chicago. The interactive space gives fans of the show a look into the production, featuring Werk Room stations, a glimpse into the iconic 2-Way Mirror and several activities, including a space to tape a confessional and room for replicating Snatch Game. Tickets are available for the experience on the World of Wonder website, starting at $59 for general admission.
When does 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 18 premiere?
"RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 18 premieres on Friday, Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. ET, live on MTV and available after airing on Paramount+.
"RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked," the official after show, will premiere directly following the season premiere at 9:30 p.m. ET on MTV.
How to watch 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 18 premiere
The first episode of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 18 premieres on MTV on Friday, Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. ET. The remaining episodes of the season will release each Friday through April on the streaming services. After their live airing, episodes will be available for streaming on Paramount+, with a paid subscription.
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 18 release schedule
Take a look at the release schedule for "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 18:
- Episode 1: Friday, Jan. 2
- Episode 2: Friday, Jan. 9
- Episode 3: Friday, Jan. 16
- Episode 4: Friday, Jan. 23
- Episode, 5: Friday, Jan. 30
- Episode, 6: Friday, Feb. 6
- Episode 7: Friday, Feb. 13
- Episode 8: Friday, Feb. 20
- Episode 9: Friday, Feb 27
- Episode 10: Friday, March 6
- Episode 11: Friday, March 13
- Episode 12: Friday, March 20
- Episode 13: Friday, March 27
- Episode 14: Friday, April 3
- Episode 15 (Reunion): Friday, April 10
- Episode 16 (Finale): Friday, April; 17
Who is competing on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 18?
Fourteen queens will "werk" for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar":
- Athena Dion of Miami, Florida
- Briar Blush of Boston, Massachusetts
- Ciara Myst of Indianapolis, Indiana
- Darlene Mitchell of Los Angeles, California
- DD Fuego of New York
- Discord Addams of St. Petersburg, Florida
- Jane Don't of Seattle, Washington
- Juicy Love Dion of Miami, Florida
- Kenya Pleaser of Sumter, South Carolina
- Mandy Mango of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Mia Starr of West Palm Beach, Florida
- Myki Meeks of Orlando, Florida
- Nini Coco of Denver, Colorado
- Vita VonTesse Starr of Montgomery, Alabama
The hour-long "Meet the Queens" of "RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18" is available for viewing for free on YouTube:
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY.