DWTS Season 34: Stars, Drama, and Ballroom Shake-ups

A New Season of Stars Shines on the Dance Floor

The ballroom is polished and the mirrorball trophy awaits as “Dancing with the Stars” returns for its highly anticipated 34th season. The new season is set to premiere on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, airing live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available the next day on Hulu. A diverse cast of celebrities from sports, television, and social media is ready to compete, promising a season filled with dazzling performances, personal triumphs, and behind-the-scenes drama.

Meet the Season 34 Cast and Their Pro Partners

On September 3, the full lineup of celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners was officially announced. This season’s cast features a wide array of personalities, each bringing their unique story to the ballroom. The pairs competing for the coveted trophy are:

• Reality TV star Jen Affleck with new pro Jan Ravnik
• Author and podcaster Hilaria Baldwin with Gleb Savchenko
• Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles with Ezra Sosa
• Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis with Britt Stewart
• Social media influencer Alix Earle with Valentin Chmerkovskiy
• Digital creator Dylan Efron with Daniella Karagach
• Actor Corey Feldman with reigning champion Jenna Johnson
• “Boy Meets World” actress Danielle Fishel with Pasha Pashkov
• “The Parent Trap” actress Elaine Hendrix with Alan Bersten
• Pentatonix star Scott Hoying with Rylee Arnold
• Wildlife advocate Robert Irwin with Witney Carson
• Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui with Brandon Armstrong
• Reality TV star Whitney Leavitt with returning champion Mark Ballas
• Comedian Andy Richter with Emma Slater

Inspiring Journeys and Backstage Buzz

Beyond the competition, this season is already rich with compelling personal stories. Actress Danielle Fishel, 44, revealed that her August 2024 breast cancer diagnosis motivated her to join the show. “The minute I was done with my cancer treatment, I thought to myself, ‘If this has shown me anything, it has shown me that I am not experiencing enough joy in my life,’” she shared, viewing the competition as a celebratory step.

Meanwhile, reports have surfaced about backstage tensions. According to insiders, some professional dancers have expressed concerns about the commitment levels of certain celebrity partners. Actor Corey Feldman, 54, became a focal point of this speculation after his partner, Jenna Johnson, revealed she hadn’t seen him for five days following the initial cast announcement. The pair have since reunited and begun rehearsals, with Feldman stating he is “grateful to learn.”

The season also saw a last-minute casting change. Jordon Hudson, girlfriend of football coach Bill Belichick, reportedly dropped out due to negotiation issues, with singer Lauren Jauregui stepping in just two days before the official announcement.

Changes in the Professional Ranks

The new season brings notable changes to the lineup of professional dancers. Fans will be excited to see two-time champion Mark Ballas return to the ballroom. The show also welcomes a new pro, Jan Ravnik, known for his work as a dancer on Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.” However, several fan-favorite pros, including Sasha Farber, Peta Murgatroyd, and Artem Chigvintsev, will not be returning for Season 34, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com. In a family-centric addition, pro Jenna Johnson’s 19-year-old niece, Hailey Bills, will be joining the show’s dance troupe, continuing a family legacy of performance.

Returning to guide the show are co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, alongside the esteemed judging panel of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. With a blend of inspiring stories, rumored drama, and a star-studded cast, Season 34 is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in the show’s history.