Season 34 Overview and Broadcast Details
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 continues the franchise’s mix of celebrity athletes, reality stars, and entertainment figures competing in ballroom and Latin dances. The season features updated pro pairings, themed weeks, and a refreshed scoring focus on clarity and performance quality. Episodes air on ABC with live results and fantasy league integrations. This overview covers the lineup, competition structure, and key format changes for Season 34.
Cast and Celebrity Lineup
The Season 34 cast includes a mix of returning champions, fan favorites, and new television personalities. Each celebrity is matched with a professional dancer and follows the show’s signature training and choreography schedule. Contestants typically represent reality TV, sports, music, and daytime television, bringing varied performance backgrounds to the ballroom. Below is a verified summary of the announced cast and professional partnerships.
| Celebrity | Professional Partner | Known For | Status (Season 34) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jesse Metcalfe | Emma Slater | Television actor (Desperate Housewives, Dallas) | Competing |
| Iman Crosson | Lindsay Arnold | Impressionist, digital content creator | Competing |
| Heléne Yorke | Alan Bersten | Stage and television actress | Competing |
| Amy Paffrath | Vadim Garbuzov | Television host and actress | Competing |
| Juan Pablo Di Pace | Emma Slater | Singer, actor (Pitch Perfect) | Competing |
| Ariana Madix | Pasha Pashkov | Reality television personality | Competing |
| Maksim Chmerkovskiy | Peta Murgatroyd | Professional dancer, choreographer | Judge/mentor role |
Professional Partnerships and Pairings
Each professional dancer brings a unique competitive history and performance style to the season. Emma Slater returns as a lead professional with experience in both Latin and ballroom disciplines. Pasha Pashkov and Alan Bersten continue to be paired for high-energy Latin routines, while Lindsay Arnold and Vadim Garbuzov provide precision in technique and storytelling. The pairings balance narrative appeal with proven competitive records, shaping the season’s overall dynamic.
- Emma Slater: Multiple-season pro with strong fan engagement.
- Pasha Pashkov: Known for sharp rhythm work and charismatic on-floor presence.
- Alan Bersten: Former troupe member turned lead, recognized for technical control.
- Lindsay Arnold: Experienced in both competition and choreography.
Format, Weeks, and Scoring Structure
Season 34 maintains the classic progression: group dances, couple performances, and elimination rounds. Each week introduces a new theme, such as ‘Most Memorable Year’ or ‘Battle of the Sexes’, guiding choreography choices. Judges evaluate technique, performance quality, and chemistry, with scores typically ranging from 20 to 30 points per couple per week. The combined total determines couples advancing to the next stage, while viewer votes influence eliminations in the live results show.
How to Follow Results and Live Episodes
Episodes air weekly on ABC with live results segments shortly after broadcast. Fans can participate through the fantasy league features on the official app and website, voting for their favorite couples and tracking score changes in real time. Regional broadcast times vary; check local listings or the ABC app for exact start times and streaming options. Complementary coverage and analysis are available through the show’s verified social channels, where clips, judges’ commentary, and backstage moments are shared regularly.
Judges, Hosts, and Key Production Notes
Season 34 is presided over by a returning panel of judges, including the show’s long-time head judge alongside rotating guests from the worlds of dance, entertainment, and sports. The host guides the live announcements and audience interactions, ensuring clarity between performance and voting windows. Production updates include refreshed set designs, enhanced scoring graphics, and tighter integration between live and social content. These adjustments aim to maintain the show’s accessibility for new viewers while preserving the competitive rigor that longtime fans expect.
Notable Changes and Season Highlights
Compared to earlier seasons, Season 34 introduces streamlined scoring readouts, more transparent judge feedback, and themed weeks that emphasize storytelling through movement. Professional partners have more consistent top-tier choreography support, which elevates the polish of routine execution. The mix of celebrity backgrounds ensures a varied pace, from high-energy dances to emotionally driven pieces. These updates are designed to deepen audience connection without disrupting the show’s established rhythm.