Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Hits 20‑Year Mark, Boosts Ratings on ABC & Disney+

When Dancing with the Stars Season 34ABC and Disney+ hit the screens on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. Eastern, the show not only marked its twentieth anniversary but also pulled in 5.7 million viewers—up 12 % from the previous launch. The live broadcast streamed simultaneously on ABC and Disney+, while the next‑day Hulu upload let night‑owls catch up at 3 a.m. Eastern.

Celebrating Two Decades on Broadcast and Streaming

Twenty years ago, a ballroom‑filled studio in Los Angeles first introduced America to glitter‑glazed competition. Fast‑forward to 2025, the format still feels fresh, thanks in part to the dual‑network strategy that began in Season 32. By airing live on both a traditional broadcast channel and a streaming platform, the producers have tapped audiences that might have otherwise drifted to TikTok or YouTube. The move also set the stage for the first official renewal of an ABC unscripted series for the 2025‑26 schedule, a vote of confidence that the network’s execs are betting on.

Hosts, Judges and the New Line‑up

Returning for his third straight season as host is Alfonso Ribeiro, the 33rd‑season champion who first won hearts as a teen on "The Fresh Prince." He slips effortlessly between jokes and stage directions, a trait that keeps the live broadcast ticking like a well‑timed salsa.

Beside him, Julianne Hough steps back into the co‑host chair after a stint as a judge from 2014‑2016. Her dance‑floor pedigree—two professional titles from Seasons 4 and 5—adds extra sparkle whenever she breaks down a routine.

The judging panel reads like a Hall of Fame:

• Carrie Ann Inaba, choreographer and original judge since Season 1.
• Derek Hough, six‑time champion who cemented a permanent seat starting with Season 32.
• Kym Johnson‑Herjavec, mirrorball champion who appears as a guest judge for Week 5’s “Dedication Night.”
• Bruno Tonioli, the flamboyant judge whose accent and hand‑gestures have been part of the show since day one.

Their scores appear left‑to‑right in that order, a visual cue long‑time fans recognize without a second glance.

Celebrity Contestants and Their Pro Partners

The roster this season blends social‑media fame, Hollywood lineage and business acumen. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Alix Earle (24, TikTok star from Montclair, N.J.) paired with Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
• Andy Ramon (32, actor and brother of Zac Efron) partnered with Emma Slater.
• Danielle Fishel (43, "Boy Meets World" alum) teamed with Pasha Pashkov. Their Week 5 Jive paid homage to the series with a cameo by William Daniels as Mr. Feeny.
• Dylan Efron (36, actor) danced alongside Daniella Karagach.
• Elaine Welteroth (38, former Teen Vogue editor) with Alan Bersten.
• Jen Shah (51, "Real Housewives" veteran) paired with Jan Ricard.
• Jordan Fisher (30, actor‑singer‑dancer, Season 25 winner) with Ezra Sosa.
• Robert Herjavec (62, Shark Tank entrepreneur) teamed with Witney Carson.
• Scott Evans (41, "One Life to Live" star) with Rylee Arnold.
• Bobbi Kristina Brown (31, singer and daughter of Whitney Houston) partnered with Mark Ballas.

All eleven couples will perform eleven episodes, each airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST, with a fresh clip hitting Hulu at 3 a.m. the following Wednesday.

How to Watch Live and Stream Without Cable

If you own a TV‑provider login that includes ABC, you can stream the show straight from abc.com on any browser or mobile device. Disney+ subscribers need only the standard $10.99 ad‑supported plan or the $14.99 ad‑free tier to catch the live feed. No cable box required.

For those who prefer a day‑later catch‑up, the episode uploads to Hulu—no extra fee if your subscription already covers it. The trick is to set a reminder for the 3 a.m. drop; otherwise, the clip disappears after 24 hours.

Ratings Surge and What It Means for Unscripted TV

According to Nielsen data released by ABC Entertainment president Craig Erwich on September 17, 2025, the premiere’s 5.7 million viewers spanned linear broadcast, streaming on Disney+, and the Hulu replay. That 12 % lift over Season 33’s kickoff suggests the dual‑network model is still paying dividends.

Industry analysts, like Emily Weiss of Variety, argue the increase reflects a broader appetite for live‑event TV that people can also binge later. "It's a win‑win," she said, "the urgency of a Sunday night dance draws real‑time eyeballs, while the next‑day stream satisfies the on‑demand crowd."

Advertisers are taking note, too. Spot rates for the Tuesday 8 p.m. slot have risen 8 % since last season, making the partnership between ABC and Disney+ an increasingly lucrative proposition.

Behind the Scenes: Production Hub and Execs

All rehearsals and live performances unfold at Hollywood Center Studios Stage 10 in Los Angeles. Executive producer Andrew Llinares, who’s helmed the show since Season 29, says the set feels "like a living, breathing ballroom" and that the crew works "around the clock" to keep the energy high.

Co‑executive producer David Ruskey added that the hybrid broadcast demands "tight coordination between the network’s technical team and Disney+’s streaming engineers," a logistical puzzle that’s become "second nature" after two years of dual‑airing.

What’s Next for the Mirrorball?

The season will wind down on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with the final showdown live on ABC and Disney+. Whoever claims the mirrorball will not only join an elite list of champions but also earn a $100,000 donation to a charity of their choice—an incentive that’s already spurring extra‑ordinary performances.

Fans can expect the usual mix of surprise twists, guest performers and emotional dedications. Week 5’s "Dedication Night" already set a high bar, and rumors suggest a celebrity guest‑judge may pop up for the finale.