deepakk040720@gmail.com “Dancing With the Stars” (DWTS) returns with its 34th season on September 16, 2025, bringing a fresh lineup of celebrities, highly anticipated performances, and the roar of audience voting. If you’re wondering where to watch DWTS, who’s in the cast, how to vote, or what time it starts—you’re in the right place.
🌟 Premiere Time & Where to Watch DWTS 2025
- Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars premieres Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT. Statesman+2EW.com+2
- It airs live on ABC and simultaneously on Disney+. New episodes can also be streamed the next day on Hulu and ABC On Demand. EW.com+2EW.com+2
🧑🎤 Cast & Judges: Who’s Dancing This Season
This season features a mix of reality stars, actors, social media influencers, and athletes. Here are some notable names:
- Robert Irwin (of wildlife fame)
- Alix Earle (social media influencer)
- Baron Davis (former NBA star)
- Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Corey Feldman, Lauren Jauregui, Whitney Leavitt, Scott Hoying and more EW.com+1
Hosts and judges returning this season are:
- Hosts: Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough
- Judges: Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba Wikipedia+2Statesman+2
⚠️ Carrie Ann Inaba Missing Premiere
There’s one important twist: longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba will not be on the judging panel for the premiere episode due to illness. She posted about it on Instagram just hours before the show. There is no replacement judge in her absence—so judging will be carried out by Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli only for this night. EW.com+1
🗳 How to Vote for Your Favorite DWTS Stars
Voting starts each live episode at the 8 p.m. ET broadcast and closes after the final dance. Here’s how you can make your vote count:
| Method | Where / How | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Visit dwtsvote.abc.com (website) and cast your vote after logging in or creating an account. EW.com+2People.com+2 | For viewers in U.S. and Canada, aged 18 or older |
| SMS/Text | Text the celebrity’s first name (keyword) to 21523 (U.S./U.S. territories only) People.com+1 | Limited to SMS-region; message/data rates may apply |
You can vote up to 10 times per contestant per method per week (i.e. 10 online + 10 via SMS). Total of 20 votes per couple per week is possible using both methods. EW.com+1
🔍 Highlights & Premiere Night Moments
- The first night saw two stars hitting the top score (15/20)—a strong start for both. EW.com
- One star’s score was accidentally input incorrectly by a judge, then corrected afterward. EW.com
- A standout moment was when a judge called someone’s first dance “the best first dance I’ve ever seen on the show.” That set the bar high. EW.com
- Since there’s no elimination in the premiere week, next week’s episode will feature a double elimination to make up. EW.com+1
👍 What’s Good about This Season So Far
- Strong mix of contestants gives something for everyone: from athletes like Baron Davis to social media stars like Alix Earle. Viewers have many favorites to choose from.
- Having ABC + streaming platforms (Disney+, Hulu) means more flexibility: you can watch live or later.
- The voting rules allow fans to engage more (up to 20 votes per couple per week if they use both methods).
- The show’s anniversary season (20 years) adds nostalgia and attention.
👎 Things Some Viewers May Not Like
- Carrie Ann Inaba’s absence for premiere disappointed fans who expect the full judging panel.
- Voting by SMS is limited to the U.S. / U.S. territories, so international fans must rely on streaming and may miss live interaction.
- Streaming delays or regional blocks might prevent some from watching it live.
- Getting keyword correct for SMS voting may sometimes be confusing; texts are limited and charges may apply.
📝 Final Thoughts
Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars is off to an exciting start. With its New Cast, dynamic performance nights, and interactive voting options, it’s shaping up to be memorable. Whether you’re watching for the dance, the drama, or rooting for your favorite star, this is one season you won’t want to miss.
External Reference for more info: How to Vote on Dancing With the Stars & Where to Watch (EW.com) EW.com
