Dancing With The Stars 2025: Full Cast, Judges, Premiere Date & Viewing Guide
Are you ready to waltz into a landmark season? The iconic ballroom is back, and Dancing with the Stars 2025 isn't just another routine—it's a celebration of two decades of glitter, drama, and incredible dance transformations. As the series marks its monumental 20th anniversary, Season 34 promises a fresh mix of celebrities, the return of beloved judges, and a historic dual-network debut that solidifies its place as a television powerhouse. Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this is your definitive guide to everything you need to know about the 2025 season, from the star-studded cast list to exactly how and when to catch every shimmering moment.
This season holds a special place in the show's history. This season, marking the twentieth anniversary of the series, was the third to air live on both networks simultaneously and the first of ABC's unscripted programs to earn an official renewal for their 2025. This dual broadcast strategy, airing concurrently on ABC and Disney+, has broadened its reach, while the early renewal is a powerful testament to the show's enduring popularity and consistent ratings performance, even in a crowded streaming landscape. It signals ABC's deep commitment to the franchise as it enters its third decade.
The Star-Studded Cast of Season 34
The heart of Dancing with the Stars has always been its captivating pairing of celebrities with professional dancers, and Season 34 does not disappoint. “Dancing with the Stars” 2025 cast for season 34 is made up of Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, Whitney Leavitt, Jen Affleck, Corey Feldman and more. This eclectic group brings together wildlife conservationists, social media megastars, reality TV personalities, and '90s icons, ensuring a season filled with unpredictable journeys and diverse dance styles.
The full official cast, as announced by ABC, includes:
- Robert Irwin: Following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Steve Irwin, the wildlife conservationist and TV personality is ready to channel his energy into the ballroom.
- Alix Earle: The viral TikTok star and "Hot Mess" podcast host brings her massive online following and vibrant personality to the dance floor.
- Whitney Leavitt: Known for her relatable parenting content and humor on social media, she aims to show a new side of herself.
- Jen Affleck: A breakout star from Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, she's stepping from reality TV into the high-pressure world of competitive ballroom.
- Corey Feldman: The '80s film icon (The Goonies, Stand by Me) is set for a major career moment, hoping to reclaim the spotlight with dance.
- Plus additional celebrities in later announcements, typically rounding out the cast to 12-13 pairs.
Each contestant is paired with a seasoned DWTS professional dancer, whose expertise will be crucial in guiding them through a rigorous schedule of weekly routines in styles ranging from the elegant Waltz and Tango to the high-energy Jive and contemporary routines.
Spotlight on Jen Affleck: From Social Media to the Ballroom
Among the new faces, Jen Affleck has generated significant buzz, largely due to her recent reality TV fame. Jen Affleck is a social media influencer and reality television star known for her role in Hulu's hit reality TV series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The show, which follows a group of young mothers in Utah, made Affleck a fan favorite for her candidness and dramatic storylines. This platform gives her a massive, engaged audience that will undoubtedly rally behind her on the show.
Her transition from documenting her life online to executing a perfect Argentine Tango under the judges' scrutiny is a fascinating leap. She represents the modern DWTS contestant: someone who built a public persona through digital media but now must prove their mettle in a traditional, physically demanding performance arena. Her journey will be one to watch, as she balances the expectations of her existing fanbase with the need to win over the core DWTS audience and judges.
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jen Affleck |
| Known For | The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu), Social Media Influencing |
| Primary Platform | TikTok, Instagram |
| Notable Trait | Candid personality, reality TV drama, strong social media engagement |
| DWTS Role | Celebrity Contestant, Season 34 |
| Professional Partner | (To be announced in premiere episodes) |
| Expected Challenge | Translating online charisma to live, technical ballroom performance |
The Expert Judges Who Hold the Keys to the Mirrorball
For over a decade, the judging panel has been the critical voice of the ballroom, and Season 34 features the triumphant return of the iconic trio. The pairs will be judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts, including Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. This combination offers a perfect blend of critique, passion, and technical mastery.
- Carrie Ann Inaba: The longest-serving judge, known for her sharp technical eye and often-critical feedback. Her opinion carries immense weight, especially regarding technique and execution.
- Bruno Tonioli: The exuberant, flamboyant judge whose passionate critiques and infectious love for dance bring unparalleled energy. His scores can be wildly unpredictable but are always rooted in performance quality.
- Derek Hough: The multi-time champion turned judge. As a former pro, he offers invaluable insight into the physical and artistic demands of each dance, with a particular focus on storytelling and connection.
Their combined scores, alongside viewer votes, determine which couples are safe each week and ultimately who lifts the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. The chemistry and occasional playful banter between these three remain a highlight of the live broadcasts.
Renewal, Premiere, and What to Expect
The path to Season 34 was paved with confidence. Season 34’s renewal was announced in April 2025, five months before the show premiered in September. This early green light allowed for a more robust production schedule, securing top-tier celebrity talent and professional dancers well in advance. It also gave the marketing team ample time to build anticipation through a summer of casting reveals and promotional content.
Get ready for dancing with the stars 2025 —the 34th season of the ballroom favorite is officially underway, premiering Tuesday, September 16, 2025, on ABC and streaming live on Disney+. The premiere date is a key piece of the puzzle for fans, placing the show in a strong Tuesday night slot to capture its family-friendly audience. The simultaneous broadcast on ABC and Disney+ continues the innovative distribution model that began in previous seasons, catering to both traditional and streaming viewers.
The season is expected to follow the classic DWTS format: live shows each week (typically 10-11 weeks), theme nights, guest performances, and the ever-dramatic results show where one couple is eliminated. With the 20th-anniversary theme, fans can likely anticipate special retrospective segments, returning champions in cameo roles, and perhaps even a few nostalgic dance numbers.
How to Watch, Stream, and Vote for Your Favorites
Understanding the logistics is crucial for full participation. Here's what you need to know about where to watch the new season of dancing with the stars, the whole cast of celebrity dancers, and how to vote for your favorite contestants.
Where to Watch & Stream:
- Live Broadcast: Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC.
- Live Stream: Available simultaneously on Disney+ for subscribers. This is the key to watching in real-time without a cable subscription.
- On-Demand: Episodes are typically added to Hulu the day after broadcast for those who prefer to watch later.
- International: Check local listings or Disney+ platforms in your region for availability.
How to Vote:
Voting is a core part of the DWTS experience and directly impacts the results. During the live broadcast on ABC:
- Scan the QR code displayed on screen during the performance and results shows. This is the primary and most efficient method.
- Visit ABC.com/vote or use the ABC app on your mobile device. You will need to sign in with a TV provider login (cable/satellite/streaming service that includes ABC).
- Vote Limits: Typically, viewers can cast up to 10 votes per couple, per show, across all available platforms (QR, web, app). This limit resets each live episode.
- Voting Window: Voting opens after the last performance of the evening and closes during the results show, usually announced by the hosts. Votes are not carried over week-to-week.
Pro Tip: Have your phone ready with the ABC app logged in as soon as the performances begin to maximize your voting time. Follow the official DWTS social media accounts for any last-minute voting reminders or changes.
Looking Ahead: Season 35 and Beyond
With Season 34 currently in the spotlight, fans are already curious about the future. When will dancing with the stars season 35 premiere? While an official date hasn't been set, the show's pattern suggests a similar timeline. Given the early renewal of Season 34, it's highly likely that Season 35 will premiere in the fall of 2026, likely September, continuing its tradition as a staple of the new television season. The success and buzz of the 20th-anniversary season will be a major factor in shaping the direction, casting, and format for the next chapter.
Conclusion: A Season of Celebration and Surprise
Dancing with the Stars 2025 is more than just a new season; it's a tribute to twenty years of television magic. It successfully blends the familiar—the beloved judging trio, the live-vote tension, the transformative journeys—with the fresh energy of a diverse cast led by figures like Robert Irwin and Jen Affleck. The historic dual-network broadcast and early renewal underscore a show that has adeptly evolved with the media landscape while staying true to its core promise: watching celebrities push their limits and deliver breathtaking performances.
From the premiere on September 16, 2025, on ABC and Disney+ to the weekly drama of eliminations and the final Mirrorball Trophy chase, Season 34 is poised to be unforgettable. Whether you're voting for a social media star, a childhood icon, or a wildlife warrior, the 20th season invites everyone to tune in, be moved by the dance, and cast their vote. The ballroom awaits—and it's never looked more exciting.
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