Full Breakdown
Dancing with the Stars Season 34: What to Expect
9/10/2025, 2:30:10 PM
Season Premiere Details
The 34th season of "Dancing with the Stars" is set to premiere on September 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+. New episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day. This season features a diverse cast of celebrities, including Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, actress Danielle Fishel, and social media influencer Alix Earle, paired with professional dancers to compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Cast and Competition Dynamics
The cast for Season 34 includes notable pairings such as:
- Jen Affleck with Jan Ravnik
- Hilaria Baldwin with Gleb Savchenko
- Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa
- Baron Davis with Britt Stewart
- Corey Feldman with Jenna Johnson
- Danielle Fishel with Pasha Pashkov
- Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas
Jen Affleck has highlighted the competitive nature of her co-star Whitney Leavitt, noting, “I know she’s very competitive... I think she definitely has more of that competitive nature.” Affleck aims to enjoy the experience while acknowledging the friendly rivalry.
Rehearsal Challenges
Rehearsals have already begun, but some contestants are facing challenges. Jenna Johnson expressed concern over her partner Corey Feldman’s absence from rehearsals due to prior commitments. She stated, “I actually haven’t seen him since Good Morning America,” indicating a delay in their preparation for the competition.
Host and Judges
The show will be hosted by Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, who have been in this role since 2023. The judging panel includes Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, who also recently took on hosting duties for the entertainment news program "Extra."
Emma Slater's Future Speculation
Professional dancer Emma Slater has sparked speculation about her future on the show after posting a cryptic message on social media, thanking "DWTS for the journey of a lifetime." Fans have expressed concern that this might indicate her departure from the series, although Slater clarified that she is excited about her partnership with comedian Andy Richter.
Criticism and Absences
The absence of popular pro dancer Sasha Farber this season has drawn mixed reactions from fans. Val Chmerkovskiy addressed this, stating, “It’s not personal... breakups happen in life.” This season also sees the return of several fan-favorite pros, while others, including Peta Murgatroyd, are not participating.
Conclusion
As "Dancing with the Stars" prepares for its 34th season, viewers can anticipate a mix of talent, competition, and drama. The premiere on September 16 promises to showcase the skills and personalities of its diverse cast, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
