Dancing With the Stars season 34 kicks off with a playful promo as hosts take the stage
Dancing With the Stars fans got a treat before the new season even begins, with cohosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro showing off their moves in an extended promo set to Pump Up the Jam. The clip comes as ABC gears up for the season 34 premiere on September 16, with the ballroom ready to welcome a fresh lineup of celebrities.
The network has already announced several cast members for season 34, including TikTok star Alix Earle and Steve Irwin’s son Robert Irwin, who are vying for the mirrorball trophy. In another reveal tied to a separate reunion special, Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt were also named as newcomers to the DWTS cast. The full roster will be officially unveiled on September 3 during Good Morning America, with Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli expected to return as judges alongside Ribeiro and Julianne as hosts.
Context from the previous season notes that season 33, which ran from September to November 2024, crowned Bachelor Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson as mirrorball champions. In interviews ahead of season 34, Derek Hough and Julianne indicated they wouldn’t rule out returning to perform on DWTS in the future, and Julianne spoke about enjoying her current role as cohost, appreciating the show’s “transformation” journey and its ongoing relevance in pop culture. Derek hinted that season 34 could bring fresh energy and “tea” to the ballroom, signaling big moments ahead.
Dancing With the Stars season 34 premieres on ABC and Disney+ on September 16 at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming on Hulu the following day.
What to watch as season 34 approaches
– The dance floor teaser: A high-spirited promo featuring Hough and Ribeiro signals a season full of performances and surprises.
– Cast reveals: Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt are among the contestants, with a full roster to be revealed on GMA on September 3.
– Judging and hosting: Returning judges and hosts help anchor the show’s familiar vibe while new talent hits the floor.
– Streaming strategy: The show remains available on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu, giving fans multiple ways to catch the action.
Editor’s note: The season’s early reveals emphasize DWTS’s ongoing blend of nostalgia and fresh celebrity energy as it marks a milestone 20th year. The combination of entertaining promos, high-profile contestants and the familiar judging panel is positioned to keep audiences engaged and excited for what promises to be a bigger-than-ever season.