EXCLUSIVE: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 sped to a strong finish on MTV.
The latest season averaged a 0.54 rating among adults 18-34 and a 0.5 among adults 18-49, per live + same-day data from Nielsen. Season 17 was neck and neck with last year’s Season 16 ratings in these demos, tying with its predecessor for its highest ratings in five years.
However, Season 17 managed the biggest full season share of television in RuPaul’s Drag Race history in key demos. Up 12% among both the 18-34 crowd and the 18-49 demo, the season scored a 6.18 share and a 4.15 share, respectively.
For reference, a share refers to the percentage of households watching a program compared to all the households watching TV at that time.
Per Nielsen, Season 17 was also the No. 1 series on cable this year among adults 18-34 in the L+SD window.
RuPaul’s Drag Race has been performing quite well since it made the jump to MTV from VH1 three seasons ago. There’s no doubt that the long-running competition series has managed to capture a larger audience thanks to the network move.
In addition to its strong television ratings, the series appears to be driving more chatter on social media as well. Season 17 was the “most social” season ever, up 58% from Season 16, per Paramount Global.
RuPaul’s Drag Race crowned its latest winner last week, handing over a $200,000 grand prize. During the episode, RuPaul also presented EGOT winner Liza Minnelli with the “Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award,” which recognizes individuals for their dazzling contributions to entertainment.
Season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars is next to premiere on May 9.
