Season 34 Kicks Off With a Spectacular Premiere That Draws Millions Across Broadcast and Streaming Platforms

A Spectacular Start for Season 34

September 24, 2025: Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars kicked off with a bang on September 16, 2025, drawing an impressive 8.13 million viewers across ABC, Hulu, Disney+, and other digital platforms within just three days of its premiere. This marks the show’s best premiere performance since the 2020–2021 season and a significant increase from the previous season’s debut, which garnered 6.91 million viewers.

Record-Breaking Streaming Numbers

The premiere episode also set a new streaming record for the series, achieving an all-time high for views after three days on Disney+ and Hulu. The show’s live-plus-three-day Nielsen rating among adults 18–49 reached 1.79, reflecting an 18% increase in total viewers and a 58% rise in the key demo compared to the Season 33 premiere.

A Star-Studded Cast Captivates Audiences

The Season 34 premiere featured a diverse lineup of celebrity contestants, including Hilaria Baldwin, Danielle Fishel, Alix Earle, Andy Richter, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles, Baron Davis, Dylan Efron, Corey Feldman, Scott Hoying, Robert Irwin, Lauren Jauregui, Jen Affleck, and Whitney Leavitt. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, with judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba, the episode showcased a range of performances that captivated viewers and set the stage for a thrilling season.

A Strong Start for Robert Irwin

Among the standout performances, Robert Irwin’s jive with partner Witney Carson received high praise from the judges, earning him a spot at the top of the leaderboard. His enthusiasm and dedication to the competition have made him a fan favorite early in the season.

Looking Ahead

With a strong premiere and record-breaking streaming numbers, Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars is poised for continued success. As the competition heats up, audiences can look forward to more captivating performances and unexpected twists in the weeks to come.