By Gavin Boyle
Still loving DANCING WITH THE STARS? Apparently, you’re not alone.
The hit dance competition show proved yet again that audiences still love it as the premiere episode of Season 34 reached 5.5 million viewers.
“We are thriving in 2025 as the premier dance entertainment family show, what’s more to say,” said judge Derek Hough. “When you walk into the ballroom, it is really sacred ground. The stories that have unfolded, the triumphs, the failures, the heartbreaks. There’s so much that has happened in that room, and every time I walk in there, every season, it’s a brand new feeling.”
Related: Will You Listen to DANCING WITH THE STARS’ New Podcast?
As the show enters its 20th year, Disney has provided fans with more access than ever through a DANCING WITH THE STARS official podcast which will be joined by fan-favorite cast members to discuss the week. Last season’s champion, Joey Graziadei, will host the show.
“I couldn’t be more excited and honored to be joining the DANCING WITH THE STARS team in this new way, bringing audiences exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes content,” Graziadei said after the podcast was announced. “I have so many great memories and from my time competing (and winning didn’t hurt), so I can’t think of a better way to connect with contestants and bring deeper conversations and fun moments to the podcast space.”
Meanwhile, this season stars some of the most popular celebrities around, including Andy Richter, Corey Feldman, Hilaria Baldwin, Jordan Chiles, Scott Hoying, Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck.
The star power of this season is likely the cause of the 6% increase in viewership this season’s premiere enjoyed over Season 33. Furthermore, it was the most popular start to a season since Tim Bergeron and Erin Andrews exited as hosts in 2020.
This season will likely play into the way the show has evolved in the 20 years since it first hit the air, and how social media has completely shaken up what it means to be a celebrity.
“There was no Twitter, there was [barely any] social media,” showrunner Conrad Green told TV Insider, reflecting on DWTS’ beginning in 2005. “The celebrity landscape has changed enormously [since DANCING premiered]. Even television has changed, but the core concepts of what makes a good contestant and what makes someone relatable are the same now as they were 20 years ago.”
DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 34 will continue to play out every Tuesday night at 8 pm EST.
Read Next: Is Your Favorite Celeb Joining DANCING WITH THE STARS Season 34?
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +2Share:
– Content: +1