DWTS Season 34 Countdown: One Week Until Premiere as ABC Airs Reruns

Dancing with the Stars did not air its season 34 premiere tonight, with ABC instead broadcasting High Potential repeats as the show builds anticipation for its September 16 debut.

The network used Monday evening’s programming slot to promote the upcoming milestone 20th anniversary season, which will feature 14 celebrity contestants competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Host Alfonso Ribeiro took to social media to spotlight the cast, posting on Instagram about the “incredible celebs” set to enter the ballroom.

Promotional Push Intensifies

ABC and Disney+ ramped up marketing efforts today with multiple social media campaigns emphasizing the one-week countdown. The official Dancing with the Stars Instagram account posted promotional content declaring “ONE WEEK” until viewers can “catch all of our couples’ debut performances”.

A new trailer for season 34 was also released, showcasing the celebrity-professional dancer pairings that will compete when the show returns. The promotional materials emphasized the show’s live broadcast format, airing simultaneously on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Tuesday, September 16.

Cast and Format Details

Season 34 will mark Dancing with the Stars’ 20th anniversary, featuring celebrities including Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, social media star Alix Earle, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, and reality TV personalities from “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough return as co-hosts, while Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli will serve as judges.

The show continues its dual-platform approach established in season 32, broadcasting live on both ABC and Disney+ simultaneously, with next-day availability on Hulu. This format represents ABC’s commitment to the franchise, making it the first unscripted program to receive an official renewal for the 2025-26 schedule.

Tonight’s absence from the airwaves served as a strategic pause before the competitive season begins, allowing the network to build momentum for what promises to be a significant milestone season in the long-running dance competition series.