7 Biggest Shockers And Must-Know Details For The DWTS Season 34 Premiere

The ballroom is officially open for business! After months of speculation and a flurry of cast rumors, the highly anticipated Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars is set to kick off with a dazzling premiere on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. This season promises to be one of the most unpredictable and star-studded competitions in the show’s history, bringing a fresh batch of celebrities, a mix of returning and new professional dancers, and some major format changes that will test the couples from Week 1. Fans can tune in live on ABC and stream simultaneously on Disney+, ensuring no one misses a single step of the action.

The DWTS Season 34 premiere is more than just an introduction; it’s the first high-stakes performance that sets the tone for the entire competition. With a lineup featuring Olympic medalists, viral social media stars, and Hollywood veterans, the pressure is on to deliver a memorable debut. From the return of beloved hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough to the sharp critiques of the iconic judging panel—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—this article breaks down the seven crucial things you must know about the premiere and the entire season ahead.

The Complete DWTS Season 34 Celebrity and Pro Pairings

The heart of Dancing with the Stars lies in the chemistry and talent of its celebrity-professional dancer pairings. Season 34 brings together a fascinating mix of personalities and dance styles, setting the stage for intense competition. Here is a look at the confirmed couples who will be hitting the dance floor for the first time on premiere night:

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• Alix Earle & Valentin Chmerkovskiy: The viral TikTok sensation and podcast host is paired with two-time Mirrorball champion Val Chmerkovskiy. Earle’s massive social media following and Val’s choreography expertise make them instant frontrunners and a highly scrutinized pair.
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: Actor Dylan Efron, known for his work in various film and television projects, is matched with Season 30 winner Daniella Karagach. Daniella’s innovative choreography could turn the dark horse celebrity into a major contender.
• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: The conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin is partnered with fan-favorite Witney Carson. Robert’s natural charisma and Witney’s strong track record suggest they will be a powerhouse couple, likely drawing a huge audience.
• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: The veteran actress, best known for her roles in films like The Parent Trap, joins forces with Season 28 champion Alan Bersten. Their partnership brings a blend of Hollywood experience and ballroom excellence.
• Hilaria Baldwin & Gleb Savchenko: Yoga instructor and podcaster Hilaria Baldwin is paired with Gleb Savchenko. Their journey will be closely watched, as Gleb is known for his dramatic routines and Hilaria for her focus on wellness and movement.
• Andy Richter & Emma Slater: Comedian and talk show personality Andy Richter is partnered with veteran pro Emma Slater. Richter is expected to bring humor and heart to his performances, potentially making him the season’s most beloved underdog.
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: Olympic medalist gymnast Jordan Chiles is matched with Ezra Sosa. Gymnasts often excel on DWTS due to their body control and athleticism, making Chiles a strong contender for the Mirrorball Trophy.
• Danielle Fishel: The actress, known for Boy Meets World, is also confirmed to be part of the cast, with her partner to be revealed.
• Corey Feldman: The iconic actor is another celebrity joining the competition, promising a memorable run.
• Jenn Affleck: Jenn Affleck is set to compete, adding another surprising name to the celebrity roster.
• Whitney Leavitt: The social media personality rounds out the announced cast, promising a fresh perspective on the competition.

The Return of the DWTS Dream Team and Judging Panel Dynamics

One of the elements that brings continuity and comfort to the loyal DWTS audience is the consistency of its on-screen talent. Season 34 sees the triumphant return of the beloved hosting and judging lineup, ensuring the show maintains its signature mix of professionalism, warmth, and sharp critique.

Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are back as the dynamic duo hosts. Ribeiro, a former Mirrorball champion himself, brings a deep understanding of the competition, offering empathetic interviews and a lively energy to the ballroom. Julianne Hough, a former pro dancer and judge, provides polished professionalism and a genuine connection with the contestants. Their chemistry, which was a highlight of the previous season, is expected to be even stronger as they settle into their roles.

The judging panel remains the formidable trio of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. Carrie Ann Inaba is the technical expert, often focusing on lifts, transitions, and the emotional connection of the dance. Derek Hough, a six-time Mirrorball champion and Emmy-winning choreographer, offers insightful, constructive criticism rooted in his unparalleled experience. Bruno Tonioli, the show’s longest-serving judge, provides the necessary theatrical flair and passionate, often over-the-top, commentary. Their combined expertise and distinct personalities are central to the show’s success, and their critiques during the premiere will be the first indicators of who the season’s frontrunners will be.

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Exciting New Themes and Format Changes to Expect

To keep the competition fresh and challenging, Dancing with the Stars Season 34 is introducing several new and exciting theme nights, alongside a major format change that will ramp up the pressure in the later weeks. These changes are designed to test the celebrities' versatility and the pros' ability to adapt their choreography to diverse musical genres.

A Stacked Lineup of Themed Nights

The season is packed with creative theme nights, ensuring a vibrant and varied spectacle every week. While the premiere is typically a general introduction, the weeks that follow will feature:

• One-Hit Wonders Night: A nostalgic trip back to the biggest one-off hits in music history.
• TikTok Night: A nod to the show's younger audience and a challenge for the dancers to incorporate viral trends and sounds into their ballroom routines.
• Disney Night: A perennial favorite, where couples perform to classic and contemporary Disney songs.
• Dedication Night: An emotionally charged evening where celebrities dance in honor of a person or cause close to their hearts.
• Wicked Night: A unique theme dedicated to the hit Broadway musical, requiring dramatic and theatrical performances.
• Halloween Night: The annual spooky spectacular, always a highlight for elaborate costumes and intense routines.
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night: A night celebrating legendary music artists and rock anthems.

The Introduction of "Instant Dances"

One of the most significant format changes confirmed for Season 34 is the introduction of Instant Dances in the latter stages of the competition. This high-pressure segment will require the remaining couples to perform a dance to a mystery song revealed to them just moments before they hit the floor. This change is a true test of a couple's ability to think on their feet, showcasing their raw talent, training, and partnership under extreme duress. The Instant Dance is a game-changer, as it leaves no room for elaborate pre-planning or set pieces, making it a pure measure of ballroom skill.

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The DWTS Season 34 Premiere: What to Watch For

The premiere episode is a critical night for every celebrity. It's their first opportunity to make an impression on the judges, the audience, and their fellow competitors. The dances performed will typically be a lower-stakes routine like a Cha-Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, or Jive, allowing the stars to ease into the technical demands of ballroom dance. However, the scores from this night are vital, as they often contribute to the first elimination.

Watch closely for the following key moments:

• Judge Bruno Tonioli’s First Reaction: His enthusiastic and often dramatic commentary sets the tone for the season’s energy.
• The Dark Horse: Look for the celebrity with no prior dance experience who unexpectedly shows natural rhythm and stage presence. In a season with high-profile names like Alix Earle and Robert Irwin, the dark horse could be someone like Andy Richter or Dylan Efron.
• The Technical Flaw: Carrie Ann Inaba is notorious for spotting illegal lifts. Keep an eye out for her first critique of a technical misstep.
• The Audience Vote: While not a factor in the premiere itself, the audience's reaction (measured by social media buzz and early fan polls) will indicate who is likely to be saved by the fan vote in the following weeks.

With a premiere date of September 16, 2025, and a finale scheduled for November 25, 2025, Season 34 is poised to be an intense, action-packed journey. The combination of a strong, diverse cast, the return of fan-favorite hosts and judges, and exciting new themes promises a season of unforgettable moments and fierce competition for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Don't miss the debut of this stellar lineup.