DWTS Season 34 Premiere Kicks Off at 8 PM ET Tonight

Lead “Dancing with the Stars” returned to ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday, Sept. 16, airing live at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT to launch its milestone 20th anniversary season with a star-studded cast and fan voting open during the broadcast.

Nut Graf The premiere of Season 34 reunites powerhouse hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. Viewers nationwide tuned in for live ballroom competition-and the chance to cast votes for their favorite celebrity-pro duos in real time-underscoring the show’s enduring popularity and multi-platform reach.

When and Where

  • Air date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
  • Live broadcast: ABC and simulcast on Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT
  • Streaming: Next-day availability on Hulu and Disney+

Cast Highlights

  • Danielle Fishel (“Boy Meets World”) teams with pro Pasha Pashkov
  • Robert Irwin (“The Crocodile Hunter”) partners with Witney Carson
  • Influencer Alix Earle joins Val Chmerkovskiy on the dance floor
  • NBA All-Star Baron Davis paired with Britt Stewart
  • Comedian Andy Richter and professional Emma Slater compete

Hosts and Judges

  • Co-hosts: Alfonso Ribeiro, Julianne Hough
  • Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough

Voting and Competition Format

  • Live voting open during Tuesday broadcasts via dwtsvote.abc.com and select text carriers
  • Weekly eliminations based on combined judges’ scores and audience votes
  • Season 34 expected to run 10-11 episodes through November’s finale

Next Week’s Episode The second live show airs Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with new routines and eliminations continuing each week until the Mirrorball Trophy is awarded.

Bullet Points for Quick Scan

  • Premiere time: 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC & Disney+
  • Hosts: Ribeiro & Hough
  • Judges: Inaba, Tonioli, Hough
  • Stream next day: Hulu & Disney+
  • Vote live at dwtsvote.abc.com

Short, dynamic routines, surprise guest performances and high-stakes voting make Season 34 yet another must-watch television event for dance fans and pop culture followers alike.