What Time Does Dancing with the Stars Come On? Everything You Need to Know About This Season’s Schedule and Themes
Fans of glitter, glamour, and intense competition are once again glued to their screens as Dancing with the Stars returns for its 34th season. With new celebrity contestants, dazzling routines, and beloved judges, the show continues to dominate prime time. But one question keeps trending every week—what time does Dancing with the Stars come on? Here’s a full guide to help you catch every dance live.
What Time Is DWTS On?
Dancing with the Stars airs live every Tuesday from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on both ABC and Disney+. For those who miss the live broadcast, episodes are added to Hulu the following day.
Here’s a quick look at the U.S. air times by region:
| Time Zone | Air Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 8:00 p.m. |
| Central (CT) | 7:00 p.m. |
| Mountain (MT) | 6:00 p.m. |
| Pacific (PT) | 5:00 p.m. live on Disney+ / 8:00 p.m. delayed on ABC |
This dual airing strategy allows fans across the country to experience the excitement live, no matter their preferred platform.
When Did the New Season of Dancing with the Stars Start?
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars officially kicked off on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, marking another year of sparkling performances and fierce competition. Each week features a unique theme that keeps the routines fresh and the costumes spectacular.
Below is the current episode lineup for this season:
| Episode | Theme / Night | Air Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premiere Night | Sept 16, 2025 |
| 2 | One-Hit Wonders Night | Sept 23, 2025 |
| 3 | TikTok Night | Sept 30, 2025 |
| 4 | Disney Night | Oct 7, 2025 |
| 5 | Dedication Night | Oct 14, 2025 |
| 6 | Wicked Night | Oct 21, 2025 |
| 7 | Halloween Night | Oct 28, 2025 |
| 8 | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night | Nov 4, 2025 |
| 9 | 20th Birthday Party | Nov 11, 2025 |
| 10 | Prince Night (Semifinals) | Nov 18, 2025 |
| 11 | Grand Finale | Nov 25, 2025 |
Why the 8 p.m. Time Slot Works Perfectly
For years, Dancing with the Stars has held its 8 p.m. slot as prime family entertainment. The timing feels perfect—late enough for evening viewers but early enough for families to enjoy together. It has become part of American TV culture, similar to American Idol or The Voice, offering a mix of celebrity glamour and wholesome fun.
This time slot also allows ABC to compete directly with other major Tuesday night shows, keeping its loyal audience hooked while attracting new viewers through Disney+ streaming.
How to Watch Dancing with the Stars Online
Besides traditional broadcast on ABC, viewers can catch DWTS live or on demand through:
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Disney+ – streams live episodes simultaneously with ABC.
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Hulu – releases new episodes the next day for on-demand viewing.
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ABC.com and ABC App – available for those with cable subscriptions.
Streaming the show gives fans flexibility, especially if they’re outside the U.S. or unable to tune in at the official broadcast time.
What Makes This Season of Dancing with the Stars Special
Season 34 isn’t just another year of sparkly costumes—it’s a celebration of two decades of dance entertainment. The 20th anniversary theme night will highlight the show’s evolution, from its early ballroom roots to its modern, social-media-inspired choreography.
Fans can expect:
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Fresh choreography styles blending TikTok trends with classic ballroom.
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Emotional storytelling in “Dedication Night.”
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Iconic music tributes, especially during “Prince Night.”
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A grand Disney-themed week that always brings the most elaborate set designs.
The format’s mix of nostalgia and innovation has helped the series remain one of the longest-running reality competitions on television.
Final Thoughts
So, when friends ask you what time is DWTS on, you can tell them confidently: Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Whether you’re cheering for your favorite celebrity dancer or judging the foxtrots from your couch, this season of Dancing with the Stars promises rhythm, rivalry, and plenty of sparkle to light up your Tuesday nights.
