Dancing with the Stars celebrates its 20th anniversary with Season 34, premiering on September 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu. The show continues to merge mainstream television with streaming distribution, reflecting broader changes in the global entertainment industry.
A Look at the Format
The structure remains familiar. Celebrities are paired with professional dancers to perform ballroom and Latin routines each week. Scores from judges combine with live audience votes to determine eliminations. The competition builds to the Mirrorball Trophy finale, a tradition that has become a hallmark of the franchise.
This season features the judging panel of Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, with hosting duties shared by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro. Professional dancers returning include Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Witney Carson, Alan Bersten, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, and Emma Slater. New pro Jan Ravnik, who performed in Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, joins the roster.
Season 34 Celebrity Cast
The lineup reflects the evolving definition of celebrity, ranging from Olympic athletes and film actors to digital creators and reality television figures.
- Jordan Chiles (partner: Ezra Sosa) – Olympic gymnast and member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, bringing athletic precision to the competition.
- Danielle Fishel (partner: Pasha Pashkov) – Television actress best known for her role as Topanga Lawrence in Boy Meets World.
- Dylan Efron (partner: Daniella Karagach) – Reality TV competitor and social media personality, also recognized as Zac Efron’s younger brother.
- Scott Hoying (partner: Rylee Arnold) – Singer and founding member of Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix.
- Elaine Hendrix (partner: Alan Bersten) – Actress with roles in The Parent Trap and Dynasty.
- Baron Davis (partner: Britt Stewart) – Former NBA All-Star and entrepreneur.
- Corey Feldman (partner: Jenna Johnson) – Actor known for classic 1980s films including The Goonies and Stand by Me.
- Lauren Jauregui (partner: Brandon Armstrong) – Singer and former member of the pop group Fifth Harmony.
- Andy Richter (partner: Emma Slater) – Comedian, actor, and longtime late-night television sidekick.
- Robert Irwin (partner: Witney Carson) – Wildlife conservationist, television presenter, and son of the late Steve Irwin.
- Alix Earle (partner: Val Chmerkovskiy) – Influencer and digital creator known for her large following on TikTok and Instagram.
- Jen Affleck (partner: Jan Ravnik) – Reality TV personality from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
- Whitney Leavitt (partner: Mark Ballas) – Reality TV figure, also from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
- Hilaria Baldwin (partner: Gleb Savchenko) – Yoga instructor, author, and media personality.
Why This Season Matters
Anniversary Significance
Season 34 marks two decades of Dancing with the stars on American television. First premiering in 2005, the series has maintained relevance through its mix of celebrity appeal, athletic challenge, and audience participation.
Representation of Modern Celebrity
The cast demonstrates how celebrity culture has broadened. Traditional Hollywood actors share the floor with athletes, musicians, and social media influencers. This range reflects how fame is defined in 2025 and why the series remains connected to cultural conversations.
Integration with Streaming Platforms
The show’s broadcast on ABC alongside Disney+ streaming and Hulu replay highlights how major networks now rely on hybrid distribution. For readers following Global Film Industry News, this is a case study in how legacy programs adapt to digital platforms.
Global Impact of the DWTS Format
The Dancing with the Stars format originated from the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing and has since been adapted in more than 60 countries. Its global reach makes it one of television’s most enduring franchises. Season 34 reinforces how formats can evolve over decades while maintaining consistent audience interest worldwide. Beyond the format itself, the show has become a steady source of celebrity news, as each season spotlights actors, athletes, and influencers navigating a high-pressure competition. From Hollywood veterans like Corey Feldman to rising digital personalities such as Alix Earle, the series generates headlines that cross entertainment media, sports reporting, and lifestyle coverage.
Conclusion:
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars is more than another reality TV installment. It represents the endurance of a television format that has shaped global entertainment, the continued blending of celebrity worlds from Hollywood to digital platforms, and the shift in how audiences consume content across networks and streaming services.
For outlets covering the global film and television industry, this season offers insight into the evolution of celebrity culture and the adaptability of long-running formats. The cast list, diverse in background and appeal, ensures that the ballroom remains a space where tradition and modern entertainment trends meet.
