When will 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16 air? Release date, time and all you need to know about MTV show
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16 is all set to air on January 5, 2024, at 8 pm ET with a two-hour premiere on MTV.
'RuPaul's Drag Race' first premiered in 2009 and engaged the audience with its exceptional fusion of style, and entertainment paired with an intense rivalry. This Emmy award-winning series already has an IMDb rating of 8.5/10.
In this show, talented drag queens compete in challenges to impress host Ru Paul, the world's most famous drag queen, to win the crown and cash prizes.
The show will return this season with an amazing panel that will select the ultimate winner among the 14 brand new queens, and who will be crowned America's Next Drag Superstar and win $200k as a cash prize.
This season will have guest judges in Oscar winner Charlize Theron, music star Becky G, and 'Buffy, the Vampire Slayer' alum Sarah Michelle Gellar. Other guest judges include Adam Shankman, Icona Pop, Issac Mizrahi, Jamal Sims, Joel Kim Booster, Kaia Gerber, Kelsea Ballerini, Kyra Sedgwick, Law Roach, Mayan Lopez and Ronan Farrow.
The mainstay judges feature Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and TS Madison.
Where to watch 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16?
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16 will air on the MTV website and app on January 5, 2024 at 8 pm ET.
One can watch 'Ru Paul's Drag Race' Season 16 on Paramount +, Apple TV + and Wow Presents Plus.
What is the plot for 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16?
The precise storyline remains undisclosed, however, fans anticipate a return to the beloved format of the show. This would feature weekly challenges, runway presentations, and lip-sync battles. The queens will be judged based on their creativity, performance, and authenticity. Every episode will follow an elimination of a contestant.
This season will bring in a lot of twists where the drag artists will be required to judge and rate each other. There will be a particular week where the winner will receive immunity for the next week.
Who will be the cast for 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16?
The judges panel feature Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and TS Madison and who will be joined by a whole lot of guest judges.
The drag queens competing for the crown are Amanda Tori Meating, Dawn, Geneva Karr, Hershii LiqCour, Megami, Mhi'ya Iman LePaige, Mirage, Morphine Love Dion, Nymphia Wind, Plane Jane, Plasma, Q, Sapphira Cristal and Xunami Muse.
Amanda Tori Meating, New York
With over 12.5k Instagram followers, Miss Meatings is ready to serve looks this season.
Originally from Ohio, she came to NYC post BFA. She's a perfect contestant for performance-based challenges. Her drag style is versatile and unique. It will be fun to see what she would bring to the table.
Dawn, Brooklyn, NY
This Brooklyn-based star is known for her ethereal fairy queen looks. Dawn also hosts 'The Boulet Brothers' Dragula' with Jay Kay.
She is expected to showcase out-of-the-box performances and it is expected that she would slay in the runway.
Geneva Karr, Brownsville, Texas
Texas Drag is well known for its pageant girls with drop-dead gorgeous gowns and big hair.
Gracing the big wig, it would be interesting to see her perform. She has around 18.7K followers on her Instagram.
Hershii LiqCour, Los Angeles, CA
Hershi is the drag sister of Season 14 Miss Congeniality Konbread 'The Snack' Jete, who seemed like winner material until an ankle injury pulled her out from the competition.
Hershi is back to take the crown for the family. Her comedy antics will surely be a welcome relief to the show.
Megami, Brooklyn, NYC
This season's cosplay queen calls herself the 'thique geeky gooddess'. Her social media account is proof that her looks and makeup will be the best.
She is expected to kill in design challenge rounds, and it would be interesting to watch this plus size girlie kill the ramp walks too.
Mhi'ya Iman LePaige, Miami, FL
She can be called the 'stunt queen' of the season as Mhi'ya calls herself the 'Queen of Flips'.
Her social media is filled with her flipping into bars and splits and even flipping into a twerking handstand.
Mirage, Las Vegas, NV
The Vegas Queen is besties with Ru Paul's Drag Race legend Alexis Mateo (BAM). Her guidance will certainly benefit her in moving forward in the show.
Mirage has a winsome kid energy which would be exciting to watch on the show. Her painting is another thing to look forward to.
Morphine Love Dion, Miami, FL
Morphine is a social media star already and has over 55.4 k Instagram followers. Her popularity might become a challenge for other drag stars.
Nymphia Wind, New York, NY
Originally from Taiwan, Miss Wind regularly performs in the Big Apple. She has a goofiness attached to her.
Nymphia is suited for both runways and comedy challenges.
Plane Jane, Boston, MA
Plane Jane can be termed a 'Russian Queen'. Boston has always been tolerant towards drag and thus it has a thriving drag population.
Plane Jane seems to be an all-rounder.
Plasma, New York, NY
Plasma has a old time film star aesthetic vibes to her which is unique. Her sense of humor is something to look forward to this season.
Q, Kansas City, MO
Q can be stated as an underdog in the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16. She is an artist, designer and seamstress. Her Instagram feed is a treat.
Sapphira Cristal, Philadelphia, PA
An opera star she is ready to serve her eloquent looks for the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16. She is also a pageant queen.
Xunami Muse, New York, NY
Kandy Muses' daughter Xunami Muse is a strong contestant. Just like her mother, she knows how to use her brush. She is surely a contestant who would be a threat to others in the race.
What is the latest buzz around 'RuPaul's Drag Race Season 16?
Since the announcement and trailer release of the brand new season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race', fans have expressed their excitement on social media accounts. Fans have been commenting on how much they missed the show after the end of Season 15.
A user wrote, "I want this season to start NOW !!!!!", while another wrote, "Can't wait anymore! So excited".
Some are already showing support to their favourites. One comment read, "Seems like Q, Nymphia & Dawn will be bringing the looks!!", while another wrote, "Megami's biblically accurate angel look teleported me to MAAARS".
With the new season, new twists have been introduced as one commented, "Ohhhh a judging twist. Let’s see the drama unfold."
"This season feels refreshed it’s seems like everyone is top notch!!! The talent show alone looks epic," another said.