Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) premieres on September 16, 2025, on ABC and Disney+, showcasing a vibrant cast of celebrities, from Olympic athletes to digital influencers, all vying for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Revealed on September 3 during Good Morning America, the lineup includes gymnast Jordan Chiles, actor Corey Feldman, influencer Alix Earle, and conservationist Robert Irwin, paired with renowned professionals like Witney Carson and Jan Ravnik, a former dancer from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The show, marking 20 years on air, will broadcast live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with next-day streaming on Hulu. The competition promises to captivate with dynamic performances, fresh pairings, and the return of beloved hosts and judges, cementing DWTS as a cornerstone of American television.
The season welcomes back Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough as co-hosts, with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough continuing as judges. The cast’s diversity, spanning entertainment, sports, and social media, underscores the show’s broad appeal. Standout competitors include Hilaria Baldwin, navigating personal challenges, and Jen Affleck, a new mother competing just weeks after giving birth.
- Key cast highlights:
- Jordan Chiles, Olympic medalist, aims to shine after a 2024 Paris controversy.
- Corey Feldman, 80s icon, brings unique energy to the ballroom.
- Alix Earle, TikTok sensation, is set to make waves with her dance skills.
Fresh faces and seasoned stars on the dance floor
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars introduces a cast blending artistic experience with dance newcomers. Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, follows in his sister Bindi’s footsteps, a season 21 champion, bringing his wildlife advocacy to the stage. He was the first announced in April 2025 during a Hulu event, where he appeared with a snake, emphasizing his animal-loving roots. Alix Earle, with over 7 million TikTok followers, is a strong contender, leveraging her competitive dance background from high school.
Hilaria Baldwin, a yoga instructor and author, joins with Gleb Savchenko, promising an emotional journey tied to her family’s recent TLC reality show, The Baldwins. Jordan Chiles, who faced a controversial medal loss at the 2024 Olympics, seeks redemption alongside Ezra Sosa, a newly promoted professional. The season also marks the return of Mark Ballas, a three-time DWTS champion, paired with Whitney Leavitt of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
- Confirmed celebrities and their pro partners:
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: conservationist with natural charisma.
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: influencer with viral potential.
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: gymnast chasing redemption.
- Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko: author with a compelling story.
- Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson: 80s star with infectious energy.
Professionals stealing the spotlight
The professional dancers are a cornerstone of Dancing with the Stars’ success, and season 34 delivers. Jan Ravnik, a standout from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, debuts as a pro, bringing modern choreography and global stage experience. His August announcement on Good Morning America sparked buzz among fans. Mark Ballas, a fan-favorite with three Mirrorball wins, returns after a hiatus, promising creative routines with Whitney Leavitt. Veterans like Val Chmerkovskiy, Daniella Karagach, and Jenna Johnson add expertise, while Ezra Sosa, in his first season as a pro, is already a standout after viral moments last year.
The mix of seasoned pros and fresh talent ensures dynamic pairings. Each professional was carefully matched to complement their celebrity’s skills and personality, setting the stage for unforgettable performances.
- Standout professional dancers:
- Jan Ravnik: debuts with international stage experience.
- Mark Ballas: returns with a legacy of championship wins.
- Ezra Sosa: rising star with viral energy.
- Witney Carson: veteran known for award-worthy choreography.
Personal stories set to captivate
Beyond the competition, Dancing with the Stars thrives on personal narratives that resonate with viewers. Jen Affleck, who gave birth in June 2025, takes on the challenge just 11 weeks postpartum, embodying resilience. Her co-star from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Whitney Leavitt, also a mother of three, adds a friendly rivalry. Danielle Fishel, known for Boy Meets World, brings 90s nostalgia, while Corey Feldman aims to redefine his public image with vibrant performances.
Hilaria Baldwin, balancing life with Alec Baldwin and their seven children, will showcase her artistic side. Dylan Efron, brother of Zac Efron, combines reality TV experience with Ironman athleticism. Scott Hoying of Pentatonix adds musical flair, leveraging his live performance expertise.
- Narratives to watch:
- Jen Affleck: overcoming challenges as a new mother.
- Jordan Chiles: seeking redemption post-Olympics drama.
- Corey Feldman: emotional comeback for an 80s icon.
- Scott Hoying: musical talent tackling new challenges.
A milestone season at 20 years
Season 34 marks the 20th anniversary of Dancing with the Stars, a landmark for a show that reshaped reality TV since its 2005 debut. The previous season, ending in November 2024 with Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson’s win, drew 7.95 million viewers for its finale, per Variety, marking a four-year high for the 18-34 demographic. This year, the production targets younger audiences with stars like Alix Earle and Dylan Efron, while appealing to sports and pop culture fans through Jordan Chiles and Corey Feldman. Robert Irwin’s global appeal, tied to the Irwin family legacy, adds international draw, building on Bindi Irwin’s 2015 victory.
- Key season 34 facts:
- Celebrates 20 years of DWTS on American television.
- Cast with strong social media and sports appeal.
- Mark Ballas’ return as a professional dancer.
- Live premiere on September 16 on ABC and Disney+.
Expectations for the competition
The competition is poised to be fierce, with celebrities bringing diverse strengths. Jordan Chiles’ athletic background could lead to precise routines, while Alix Earle’s dance experience may spark viral moments. Robert Irwin, though new to dance, carries the Irwin family’s charisma, likely winning fan votes. Mark Ballas’ return raises the bar for choreography, known for its creativity and impact.
Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough will deliver technical and lively critiques, while hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough keep the energy high. Live broadcasts with audience voting ensure interactivity, letting fans shape the outcome.
- What to expect from performances:
- Innovative choreography led by Jan Ravnik.
- Nostalgic moments from Corey Feldman and Danielle Fishel.
- Fierce competition among influencers and athletes.
- Emotional highs driven by personal stories.
