The sparkle of sequins and the sound of quickstep beats are about to return. Dancing with the Stars is preparing to open its ballroom doors once again, this time for a season that promises to be bigger, bolder, and more emotional than ever. Season 34 will not only bring a new wave of celebrities and pros ready to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy—it will also mark the show’s 20th anniversary. Two decades of dance-offs, dramatic eliminations, and unforgettable performances have made it a television institution, and fans are counting down the days until the premiere.
The excitement builds with a sneak peek
In mid-August, ABC gave fans a taste of what’s to come. A clip of co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro dancing to the 1990s hit Pump Up the Jam sent social media into a frenzy. For many, it was a reminder of why this show remains a guilty pleasure after so many years. The chemistry between the hosts, both seasoned performers themselves, set the tone for a season filled with energy and nostalgia.
“Seeing Julianne and Alfonso hit the floor together already makes me want to tune in,” one fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Another added, “If the hosts are dancing like this, imagine what the contestants will bring.”
When the new season airs
ABC has confirmed that Season 34 will premiere this fall. The show will air live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu and Disney+. This dual-network rollout reflects how the show has adapted to the streaming age, attracting both loyal TV viewers and younger fans who prefer to watch on-demand.
The big cast reveal
The most hotly anticipated moment before each new season is, of course, the cast announcement. ABC will officially reveal the full lineup on Good Morning America on Wednesday, September 3, at 7 a.m. ET. Until then, fans are left to speculate and dream up their wish lists of stars they’d love to see competing.
Still, producers haven’t left us completely in the dark. Several celebrities have already been confirmed for Season 34.
Who’s in the spotlight so far?
The first name to be announced was Robert Irwin, the beloved wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin. His selection was unveiled back in April at Hulu’s inaugural Get Real! event in Beverly Hills. Robert, now 20, has spent much of his life carrying on his father’s legacy through wildlife photography and conservation work. But now, he’s preparing to swap the outback for the ballroom.
“It’s such an honor,” he said at the time. “This is a completely new adventure, and I feel privileged to be a part of it.” His enthusiasm has already won over fans, with many expressing on social media that they can’t wait to see his journey.
Joining him is social media star and influencer Alix Earle, known for her candid personality and her podcast Hot Mess. With her millions of followers, Alix is expected to bring a younger audience to the show, while also facing the challenge of proving she’s more than just an online personality.
Adding even more intrigue, reality TV figures Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will also compete. Their appearance is likely to generate buzz, given the show’s controversial nature and its passionate fanbase.
A fresh face in the pros lineup
While the celebrities grab headlines, the professional dancers are the backbone of the competition. Season 34 will welcome Jan Ravnik, a new addition to the pro roster. Ravnik is no stranger to the spotlight—he recently completed a world tour as a backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour.
“I traveled all around the world with Taylor, and now I’m stepping into a whole new challenge,” Ravnik shared in a message to Good Morning America. “The Mirrorball never goes out of style, and I’m ready to win it.”
His inclusion adds a fresh energy to the lineup and has already stirred excitement among Swifties eager to support him.
Familiar faces at the judges’ table
Fans will be relieved to know that longtime judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough are all set to return. Their mix of constructive criticism, flair, and humor has become part of the show’s DNA.
However, there’s still a sense of bittersweetness in the ballroom. Last year’s season was the first without the late Len Goodman, the legendary head judge who passed away in 2023. To honor him, the Mirrorball Trophy was officially renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. That emotional tribute is expected to continue into Season 34, reminding fans of his lasting impact.
Looking back at last season’s champions
Season 33 ended with a thrilling finale, as The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and pro partner Jenna Johnson lifted the trophy. Their chemistry and steady improvement won over both the judges and the audience.
Finishing just behind them were rugby star Ilona Maher with Alan Bersten, and actress Chandler Kinney with Brandon Armstrong, rounding out a fiercely competitive top three. The bar is already set high, and this year’s contestants will have to deliver dazzling routines to match it.
Fans ready for drama, glitz, and surprises
While Dancing with the Stars is about the dancing, it’s also about the drama. Over the years, unexpected injuries, shocking eliminations, and surprise comebacks have kept viewers glued to their screens. Many are wondering what twists producers will throw into Season 34. Will there be new dance styles introduced? Guest judges? Or perhaps a special anniversary-themed episode that brings back beloved past contestants?
Social media is buzzing with speculation. Some are hoping to see fan-favorite alumni return for cameo performances. Others want a celebration of the show’s most iconic dances over the past two decades. “If they don’t do a 20th anniversary tribute night, I’ll be so disappointed,” one viewer wrote on Instagram.
What to expect in the anniversary season
With twenty years under its belt, Dancing with the Stars has become more than just a competition—it’s a cultural touchstone. It’s the place where athletes, actors, musicians, and influencers come to reinvent themselves in the public eye. For some, it has been a career revival. For others, a chance to show vulnerability and connect with fans in new ways.
Season 34 has the added pressure of honoring that legacy while still keeping things fresh. Expect more elaborate set designs, bigger production numbers, and possibly even surprise appearances from stars who helped shape the show in earlier years.
The countdown begins
As the premiere date draws near, excitement continues to build. With a mix of established stars, internet personalities, and newcomers, this season promises a little something for everyone. Whether you tune in for the dancing, the drama, or just the sparkling costumes, one thing is clear: Dancing with the Stars still knows how to put on a show.
The ballroom lights are warming up, the pros are rehearsing, and the celebrities are no doubt nursing a few bruises already. Season 34 is just around the corner—and after 20 years, the magic of the Mirrorball is still shining as bright as ever.
