The Official Countdown: 5 Shocking Details About Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Premiere Date And Cast

The wait is finally over: The glitter ball is polished, the ballroom is ready, and the official start date for the highly anticipated Dancing with the Stars Season 34 has been confirmed. As of today, December 18, 2025, the new season is set to kick off the fall television schedule with a massive splash, bringing a fresh batch of celebrity dancers, returning fan-favorite professional partners, and a few major surprises that will change the competition as we know it.

For fans eager to mark their calendars, the next chapter of the iconic ballroom competition, which also marks the show's 20th anniversary, is returning to its traditional fall slot. The upcoming season will feature a blend of classic elegance and cutting-edge reality television, promising a must-watch event every week on both network and streaming platforms.

DWTS Season 34 Premiere Date, Network, and Schedule Details

The crucial question of "when does Dancing with the Stars start 2025" now has a definitive answer. The show is not just returning; it’s staking its claim on a prime-time slot with a confirmed, multi-platform broadcast strategy.

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• Official Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
• Time Slot: 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (8/7c)
• Network Broadcast: ABC
• Streaming Platform: Disney+ (Simulcast live)
• Weekly Schedule: New episodes will air every Tuesday night until the season finale, which is tentatively scheduled for late November or early December 2025.

This dual-platform approach ensures that whether you prefer the traditional network experience on ABC or the flexibility of live streaming on Disney+, you won't miss a single samba or foxtrot. The return to ABC for the live broadcast, while maintaining the Disney+ simulcast, is a win for viewers who appreciate having options to watch the electrifying performances in real-time.

The All-Star Lineup: Hosts, Judges, and Professional Dancers

A show is only as good as the talent it brings, and the 2025 season of Dancing with the Stars is stacked with familiar faces, ensuring a smooth and entertaining run. The continuity in the judging panel and hosting duo provides a solid foundation for the competition.

The Returning Judges and Hosts

The beloved trio of judges is back to offer their critiques, scores, and signature flair. Fans can expect the usual blend of technical expertise, passionate energy, and constructive criticism from the panel:

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• Carrie Ann Inaba: The resident expert on lifts and technical precision, known for her heartfelt and detailed feedback.
• Bruno Tonioli: The flamboyant, energetic judge whose dramatic reactions and colorful commentary are a staple of the show.
• Derek Hough: The six-time Mirrorball champion and Emmy-winning choreographer, who brings the perspective of a former pro dancer and unparalleled technical knowledge.

The hosting duties will once again be shared by a dynamic duo who both have deep roots in the DWTS family:

• Alfonso Ribeiro: The Season 19 champion who brings his infectious energy and quick wit as the main host.
• Julianne Hough: A former professional dancer and judge, Julianne returns as co-host, providing insight and support from the skybox.

The Confirmed Professional Dancers (The Pros)

The professional dancers are the backbone of the show, transforming the celebrities into ballroom contenders. While the official celebrity-pro pairings are announced closer to the premiere, the roster of returning professionals features some of the biggest names in the industry. These are the artists who will be choreographing the routines and guiding the stars to the Mirrorball Trophy:

• Alan Bersten
• Brandon Armstrong
• Britt Stewart
• Daniella Karagach
• Emma Slater
• Val Chmerkovskiy
• Witney Carson
• Pasha Pashkov
• Sasha Farber

Meet the Stars: A Sneak Peek at the DWTS Season 34 Celebrity Cast

The celebrity cast for Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars is a diverse mix of actors, athletes, reality TV personalities, and social media influencers. This year’s roster is particularly buzz-worthy, featuring several high-profile names guaranteed to draw major viewership. While the full list is extensive, here are some of the most talked-about celebrities confirmed to hit the ballroom floor:

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• Alix Earle: The mega-popular social media influencer and podcaster, who brings a massive online following and a high-energy personality.
• Robert Irwin: Son of the late "Crocodile Hunter," Steve Irwin, the conservationist and TV personality is set to trade wildlife for the waltz.
• Jen Affleck: Reality star from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, bringing a new layer of reality TV drama to the dance floor.
• Hilaria Baldwin: Author and wellness enthusiast, known for her high-profile marriage and social media presence.
• Corey Feldman: Iconic actor from classic 80s films, whose participation is sure to generate nostalgia and curiosity.
• Danielle Fishel: Best known as Topanga Lawrence from Boy Meets World, the actress will be a favorite for 90s television fans.
• Andy Richter: Comedian and late-night sidekick, who promises to bring humor and an element of unpredictability to his routines.
• Jordan Chiles: Olympic gymnast who, like many athletes before her, is expected to excel due to her discipline and body control.

The mix of established Hollywood figures and modern digital stars ensures that the show will appeal to a broad, multi-generational audience. The celebrity-pro pairings are the heart of the show, and the chemistry between these stars and their professional partners will be a key storyline as the season unfolds.

Major Format Changes to Expect in DWTS Season 34

While the core structure of the competition remains, the producers are introducing a significant twist to the finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 to raise the stakes and keep the show fresh for its 20th anniversary.

For the first time ever, the finale will feature three competitive rounds, making the final night tougher and more unpredictable than ever before. This change is designed to truly test the finalists' versatility, adaptability, and stamina.

The three rounds will include:

1. Judges' Choice: The judges will select a past dance style and song for the finalists to perform, challenging them to perfect a routine they may have struggled with earlier in the season.
2. Instant Dance: A high-pressure, make-or-break challenge where the stars must learn and perform a routine to a surprise song live on the show with minimal rehearsal time.
3. Make-or-Break Freestyle: The traditional, no-rules routine where the celebrity-pro pairings pull out all the stops with creative choreography, costumes, and music to win the Mirrorball Trophy.

This dramatic finale structure means that the final winner will truly have earned the title, proving their ability to master a wide range of dance styles under intense pressure. The new format is a clear signal that the show is committed to evolving and delivering high-stakes entertainment for its dedicated fan base.

Why DWTS Season 34 (2025) Is a Must-Watch Event

The return of Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, is more than just a season premiere; it's a cultural event. The show continues to be a powerhouse of entertainment because it successfully blends the glitz and glamour of ballroom dancing with the raw, emotional journey of celebrity transformation.

With a high-caliber cast, the stability of veteran hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, and the wisdom of judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, Season 34 is poised to be one of the most memorable seasons yet. The addition of the three-round finale twist guarantees a thrilling conclusion to the competition, making the 2025 season a must-watch television spectacle.