As anticipation builds for the return of “Dancing With the Stars,” fans are eager to learn about the upcoming season, including cast announcements and premiere details. Season 34 promises to bring new excitement and familiar faces back to the dance floor, following the record-breaking success of the previous season.
The 33rd season, which aired from September to November 2024, concluded with Bachelor Joey Graziadei and his professional partner Jenna Johnson winning the coveted mirrorball trophy. This season was particularly notable for its high ratings, drawing in the best viewership among adults aged 18-24 in four years, with over 32 million votes cast during the finale. Reflecting on their victory, Joey expressed his disbelief, stating, “I honestly blacked out. I just remember [Jenna] screaming really, really loud. I remember hugging her.”
Following their triumph, Joey and Jenna embarked on the “DWTS Live Tour,” which wrapped up in April 2025. However, the excitement didn’t stop there. In April, ABC announced the first celebrity contestant for Season 34: Robert Irwin, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin. At just 21 years old, Robert is stepping into the spotlight, following in the footsteps of his sister, Bindi Irwin, who won the competition in 2015. Robert shared his admiration for his sister’s journey on the show, recalling, “I remember watching [her] on that show just thinking, ‘This is the coolest thing ever.'”
In addition to Robert, influencer Alix Earle was announced as a contestant in May. Earle expressed her excitement about joining the competition, stating, “I’ve always been a fan of Dancing With the Stars … I’m ready to challenge myself. I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
As for the show’s premiere, while a specific date has yet to be confirmed, “Dancing With the Stars” is set to return to ABC this fall, airing on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can expect an engaging season filled with drama, talent, and plenty of surprises.
The full list of competitors is still unfolding, with more names expected to be revealed in the coming months. In June, additional cast members from Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, were confirmed to join the lineup.
As for the professional dancers, the lineup has not been officially announced. However, fans can anticipate the return of popular pros from Season 33, including Jenna Johnson, Alan Bersten, and Val Chmerkovskiy, among others.
The hosting duties will again be handled by the dynamic duo of Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, who have charmed viewers in their previous seasons. The judging panel is expected to feature the familiar faces of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to the competition.
As the countdown to Season 34 continues, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more updates on cast announcements, premiere dates, and other exciting developments. With a blend of new contestants and returning favorites, this season of “Dancing With the Stars” is shaping up to be one for the books. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there’s no denying the thrill of watching celebrities take on the challenge of ballroom dancing, all in the hopes of winning that coveted mirrorball trophy.