Full Breakdown
Dancing with the Stars Season 34: Ratings Surge and Notable Eliminations
10/4/2025, 12:55:50 PM
Record-Breaking Ratings for Week 3
"Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) Season 34 has experienced a significant ratings boost, marking the first time in 20 years that the show has increased viewership for two consecutive weeks following its season premiere. The episode themed "TikTok Night," which aired on September 30, attracted 5.82 million viewers and achieved a 1.22 rating among adults aged 18-49, the highest ratings for the 8-10 p.m. time slot this season. Additionally, the show garnered a 1.38 rating in the 18-34 demographic, its best performance in over eight years. Fan engagement also surged, with 39 million votes cast, reflecting an 11% increase from the previous week.
Notable Performances and Eliminations
The episode featured various performances inspired by viral TikTok songs, but it concluded with a surprising elimination. Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui and her partner Brandon Armstrong were sent home after their cha-cha routine, which scored 18 out of 30. Jauregui expressed her disappointment on social media, describing her experience as an "absolute whirlwind" and thanking her supporters, including her fellow bandmates who were present in the audience.
Robert Irwin's Viral Moment
One of the standout moments of the night came from Robert Irwin, who captivated audiences with a high-energy salsa routine that included a shirt-ripping surprise. This performance not only went viral but also led to an unexpected job offer from Chippendales in Las Vegas, which was communicated through his mother, Terri Irwin. The proposal highlighted his "personality, kindness, skills (and body!)" as ideal for a celebrity host role. Irwin's partner, Witney Carson, noted that managing his social media interactions has become a challenge due to the influx of attention.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the season's success, ABC reported that "Dancing with the Stars" was the most social television program across broadcast and cable, with 2.7 million total social interactions, a 32% increase from the previous week. The network also celebrated its overall ratings success, outperforming competitors like NBC and CBS in both total viewers and key demographics.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the season, the elimination of Jauregui sparked backlash among fans who believed she had the potential to advance further in the competition. Many expressed their frustration on social media, questioning the voting outcomes and the criteria used to determine eliminations.
What's Next
"Dancing with the Stars" will continue with its next episode on October 7, themed "Disney Night," where the remaining couples will perform to songs inspired by beloved Disney films. This upcoming episode is highly anticipated, as it promises to showcase the talents of the remaining contestants while celebrating the spirit of Disney in honor of the Disneyland Resort's 70th anniversary.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I really appreciate you saying that a lot.” — Robert Irwin
- “It’s a roller-coaster of emotions.” — Danielle Fishel
"Dancing with the Stars" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
