New Faces and Familiar Favorites Light Up the Ballroom
The 34th installment of Dancing With the Stars Season 34 kicked off on September 16, 2025, promising a mix of fresh talent and seasoned performers. Among the newcomers, yoga instructor and podcaster Hilaria Baldwin teamed up with Olympic‑medalist ice dancer Gleb Savchenko, hoping to turn her mindfulness practice into sleek footwork. Veteran actor Corey Feldman, known for cult‑classic films of the ’80s, was paired with former professional Jenna Johnson, adding a dash of Hollywood nostalgia to the competition.
Boy Meet World alum Danielle Fishel, best remembered as Topanga, joined forces with Russian dancer Pasha Pashkov, while Olympic artistic gymnast Jordan Chiles partnered with rising pro Ezra Sosa to showcase the athleticism that only a gymnast can bring to the ballroom. Former NBA point guard Baron Davis, who once dazzled on the court, now attempts salsa steps with ballroom ace Britt Stewart, underscoring the show’s appeal to sports fans.
Social‑media buzz was inevitable with TikTok sensation Alix Earle paired with longtime fan‑favorite Val Chmerkovskiy. Dylan Efron, brother of actor Zac Efron and reality‑TV regular, took to the floor with Daniella Karagach, bringing a mix of sibling intrigue and dance ambition. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives contributed two contestants: Jen Affleck with Jan Ravnik and Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas, both aiming to convert reality‑TV drama into dance drama.
Music industry stars also made an appearance. Pentatonix vocalist Scott Hoying danced alongside newcomer Rylee Arnold, while former Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui partnered with Brandon Armstrong, promising vocal‑infused storytelling through movement. Actress Elaine Hendrix, known for her comedic chops, paired with Alan Bersten, and comedian Andy Richter rounded out the lineup with Emma Slater, adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.
- Hilaria Baldwin – Gleb Savchenko
- Corey Feldman – Jenna Johnson
- Danielle Fishel – Pasha Pashkov
- Jordan Chiles – Ezra Sosa
- Baron Davis – Britt Stewart
- Robert Irwin – Witney Carson
- Alix Earle – Val Chmerkovskiy
- Dylan Efron – Daniella Karagach
- Jen Affleck – Jan Ravnik
- Whitney Leavitt – Mark Ballas
- Scott Hoying – Rylee Arnold
- Lauren Jauregui – Brandon Armstrong
- Elaine Hendrix – Alan Bersten
- Andy Richter – Emma Slater
Production, Broadcast and the 20‑Year Celebration
The judging panel stayed familiar: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli continued to critique each routine, balancing technical feedback with entertainment flair. Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough kept the energy high, delivering witty banter and behind‑the‑scenes insights that kept viewers hooked.
ABC aired the live shows every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT, while Disney+ streamed the performances in real time for cord‑cutters. The next‑day episodes appeared on Hulu, a multi‑platform strategy that reflects the show’s adaptation to changing viewing habits. This distribution model helped maintain strong ratings, with each episode sparking thousands of trending posts on TikTok and Instagram.
Marking two decades on air, the production team wove anniversary nods into every episode. Retro lighting, a special “20‑Year‑sweep” montage, and guest appearances from past champions reminded fans of the show’s evolution from a simple ballroom contest to a cultural staple. The anniversary focus also boosted sponsorship deals, with legacy brands returning alongside new tech partners eager to tap the show’s wide‑reach audience.From a technical standpoint, the choreography this season pushed boundaries. Judges praised the incorporation of contemporary storytelling, especially in routines where athletes like Jordan Chiles and Baron Davis used their sports background to amplify dramatic lifts and spins. Meanwhile, social‑media personalities leaned into viral-friendly choreography, aiming for moments that could be clipped and shared across platforms.
Overall, Season 34 delivered a blend of drama, athleticism, and nostalgia that reaffirmed why Dancing With the Stars remains a summer TV mainstay. The mix of high‑profile celebrities, returning professional dancers, and a celebratory anniversary atmosphere ensured that each weekly episode felt both fresh and familiar, keeping audiences glued to the dance floor for weeks to come.
