Dancing with the Stars Season 34: Premiere, Cast, Judges, and More

Dancing with the Stars Season 34: Everything to Know for 2025

As Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) celebrates its landmark twentieth anniversary, season 34 promises sparkling surprises, fierce competition, and a dynamic blend of familiar faces and exciting newcomers. Whether you’re a ballroom devotee or tuning in for the celebrity spectacle, here’s a comprehensive look at what fans can expect from the upcoming 2025 season—including premiere details, cast rumors, host and judge lineups, and essential viewing FAQ.

Table of Contents

• When Does DWTS Season 34 Premiere?
• Confirmed Cast Members
• Rumored Celebrity Contestants
• Professional Dancers: Who’s Returning?
• Who Are the Hosts & Judges?
• How to Watch Season 34
• Competition Format & What’s New
• Frequently Asked Questions

When Does Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Start?

Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

This milestone twentieth anniversary season debuts live on ABC and Disney+, making it the third consecutive year the series is broadcast on both platforms simultaneously. Episodes will become available to stream on Hulu the following day, ensuring fans have multiple ways to catch all the action.

Confirmed Cast Members for Season 34

Unlike previous years, where only one or two celebs were announced by summer’s end, DWTS has already confirmed four celebrity contestants as of late August. The full cast reveal is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4 during Good Morning America, but here’s who’s officially signed on so far:

• Alix Earle – Social media influencer and TikTok star
• Robert Irwin – Wildlife conservationist and TV personality; son of the late Steve Irwin and brother to DWTS winner Bindi Irwin
• Whitney Leavitt – Mom influencer and viral content creator
• Jen Affleck – Noted for her online presence and motherhood content

These four contestants mark an early reveal, building anticipation for the broader lineup to come.

Rumored Celebrity Contestants

The annual DWTS rumor mill is in full swing. Although not officially confirmed by ABC, the following personalities have surfaced repeatedly in reported leaks, social media clues, and insider posts as likely, or fans’ favorites, for season 34:

• Hilaria Baldwin – Author, yoga instructor, and wife of Alec Baldwin; widely reported to be joining this year
• Taylor Lautner – Actor, best known for the ‘Twilight’ franchise
• Kelsey Anderson – Noted contestant from the reality TV landscape
• Victor Webster – Hallmark Channel stalwart and TV actor

Rumors also mention a potential Taylor Swift-linked pro dancer, Yan Ravnik, sparking particular excitement among fan circles. The complete cast, final roster, and their professional partners will be made public early September.

Spotlight: Robert Irwin’s Special Story

Robert Irwin’s appearance has a unique significance; in 2015, his sister Bindi Irwin captured the mirrorball trophy. Robert has expressed his excitement and gratitude at following in her footsteps, sharing fond memories from when he was just 11 years old watching Bindi win. Now, a decade later, Robert fulfills his own dream by taking the DWTS stage and carrying the Irwin legacy forward.

Professional Dancers: Returning Pros and Notable Additions

Longtime fans eagerly await confirmation of the professional dance cast. While the complete pro list is pending, several names have been mentioned as likely to return for Season 34:

• Mark Ballas
• Other veteran pros expected, per Carrie Ann Inaba’s leaked social media post
• Jan Ravnik, a newcomer rumored to join, famous for his association with Taylor Swift’s dancing crew

Historically, the show has balanced established professionals with rising dance stars, ensuring both tradition and innovation in choreography and performance.

Who Are the Hosts and Judges for 2025?

DWTS keeps its core creative team intact for season 34, delivering continuity and charisma:

• Hosts:
  • Alfonso Ribeiro – Returning for another year as co-host, beloved for his supportive energy and quick wit
  • Julianne Hough – Former pro champion, returning as co-host after judging and dance roles in previous seasons
• Judging Panel:
  • Carrie Ann Inaba – Original judge, respected for her choreography expertise
  • Derek Hough – Former multi-time champion and acclaimed choreographer
  • Bruno Tonioli – Known for his larger-than-life commentary and infectious enthusiasm

This panel ensures a blend of technical criticism, heartfelt encouragement, and crowd-pleasing theatrics.

How to Watch DWTS Season 34

This season, episodes will air live on Tuesdays, beginning September 16, 2025, across multiple platforms:

• ABC – Traditional broadcast television
• Disney+ – Full episodes live-streamed for subscribers
• Hulu – Next-day streaming access for cord-cutters and rewatchers

This distribution increases accessibility for viewers nationwide and allows fans to follow along, whether live or on demand.

New episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the day after their original airing, ensuring no one misses a single paso doble or cha-cha.

Competition Format & What’s New for Season 34

While DWTS maintains its foundational format—pairs of celebrities and professional dancers competing in weekly ballroom and Latin dance styles—the twentieth anniversary is expected to inspire some celebratory twists:

• Weekly Themes – From Classic Hollywood Night to 2000s Pop Week, each episode may feature tailored music and costumes.
• Special Anniversary Episodes – Likely retrospectives and tributes, reflecting on twenty years of DWTS legacy.
• Live Voting – Audiences will again have real-time input into who advances.
• Judges’ Save – The panel is expected to retain their ability to save a couple from elimination during high-stakes dance-offs.
• Surprise Performances – Guest artists and former champions may return for commemorative showcases.

No radical changes to the show’s competitive structure have been formally announced. However, rumors of tribute nights, flashback montages, and “Legends of the Ballroom” future episodes persist, given the milestone anniversary context.

What Else Is Rumored for Season 34?

• Potential for major celebrity cameos during anniversary weeks
• Reunion performances by favorite pros and winners from past seasons
• A Mirrorball Trophy with a special “Len Goodman” dedication, reflecting on the late judge’s foundational role in DWTS history

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Season 34: What to Watch For This Fall

The latest season of Dancing with the Stars promises an exciting blend of new energy and nostalgic tributes. From celebrity newcomers and star-studded hosts to heartfelt stories and the grandeur of a twentieth anniversary, fans can expect dazzling routines, unpredictable eliminations, and iconic television moments each week. Mark your calendars, and get ready to cheer, vote, and dance along with America’s favorite ballroom show.

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