RuPaul’s Drag Race, the Emmy-winning reality competition TV series that has drawn focus of the mainstream spotlight on drag culture, is gearing up to unveil Season 17. The new season launches Friday, January 3, 2025 at 8pm on MTV.
The new season promises to continue with the show's signature combo of fire, fury, and fun. With 14 unstoppable queens vying for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar and $200,000 in cash prize, the season won't be short of fireworks. Starting January 3 in 2025, a new episode of Season 17 will drop every Friday of the month.
What to Expect
Season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race features fresh challenges, and surprises. The premiere event will see the queens returning to the competition with big personalities. The show starts off with a bang, with the first two episodes, titled Squirrel Games and Drag Queens Got Talent respectively, setting the tone for a high-energy season. The queens will be put to test, getting a chance to showcase their unique talents and setting the stage for the fierce battles ahead. The main stage of the competition has also undergone significant changes, leaving behind its previous cramped and somewhat cheesy sets in favour of more polished and theatrical designs. The revamped stage will serve as a stunning backdrop for presenting outfits, freestyle dance moves, and judge critiques.
Adding to the excitement, Season 17 will feature celebrity guests Doechii, a music sensation loved by fans, and Law Roach, the renowned fashion designer and stylist. Their presence promises to bring fresh energy and unique perspectives to the show. The "Rate-A-Queen" scoring system is making a comeback, and with new twists, it is set to make the competition more intriguing and strategic.
Fans can also look forward to extended episodes, each running for 90 minutes, allowing ample time to delve into the queens' performances, personal transformations, and fabulous looks. Following each episode, the section titled Untucked will provide unfiltered and behind-the-scenes look at all the drama and emotional moments.
More About the Season
Now, on its seventeenth season, RuPaul’s Drag Race had evolved to become a culture phenomenon, mainly because of its uniqueness as a game show and also the importance it gives to the LGBTQ+ community. In terms of format, the new season is much the same, offering a new set of talented Queens who'll bring before the camera their charisma, originality, nerve, and talent.
The two-part premiere for the new season gives an extended time to examine the queens as people and performers, with their discerning aims and motivations. Drag Queens Got Talent is a great way to judge the contestants from the word go because no two performances are alike.
The excitement comes with Doechii and Law Roach as guest judges, too. Rapper Doechii is expected to bring a lot of energy to the show while Law Roach, who is famous for his stunning styling, should add depth.
The enhanced main stage is also appealing, as it creates a new setting for the queens to showcase extraordinary appearance and trends. The new look promises that the runway will only incite even better creativity in the designs of the contestants.
Final Thoughts
With a stellar line up of queens, exciting new twists and an all-new main stage, Season 17 of RuPaul's Drag Race promises to be one of the most thrilling seasons yet. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the show, this season promises to entertain, inspire and celebrate the art of drag as never before. Don’t miss the first episode on January 3, 2025 and get ready to sashay into a season full of glamor, talent, and drama.