Is Dancing with the Stars on ABC a live television event you want to watch with your family. Each season, celebrities train in ballroom and Latin dances with professional partners while competing for the mirrorball trophy in front of a national audience.
The show broadcasts weekly in prime time on ABC with simultaneous online streaming options, live voting, and a results show that keeps viewers engaged through results night and social media discussion.
| Season | Premiere Date | Finale Date | Champion | Professional Partner Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 32 | September 19, 2022 | November 22, 2022 | Xochitl Gomez | Derek Hough, Cheryl Burke, Tony Dovolani |
| Season 31 | September 18, 2021 | November 23, 2021 | Iman Shumpert | Dane DiLiegro, Cheryl Burke, Gleb Savchenko |
| Season 30 | September 20, 2020 | November 24, 2020 | Charli D'Amelio | Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, Alan Bersten |
| Season 29 | September 14, 2019 | November 26, 2019 | Kaitlyn Bristowe | Artem Chigvintsev, Sasha Farber, Tony Dovolani |
| Season 28 | September 15, 2008 | November 25, 2008 | Shawn Johnson | Mark Ballas, Louis van Amstel, Tony Dovolani |
Celebrity Training and Performance Schedule
How Celebrities Prepare Each Week
Each celebrity dedicates several hours daily to rehearsals, drilling choreography with their professional partner. Coaches emphasize technique, timing, and showmanship so that every routine is ready for live performance under bright lights and camera scrutiny.
The rehearsal schedule intensifies as the competition nears the finale, with extra sessions for dance polish, costume adjustments, and live music coordination to ensure a seamless broadcast.
Voting and Judging Criteria
How Scores and Viewer Votes Combine
Judges evaluate performances on technique, rhythm, presentation, and difficulty, assigning a score that appears on screen. Viewers complement this with instant live voting through the ABC app, website, and phone lines, and the lowest combined scores lead to elimination.
This dual system balances artistic merit and audience preference, keeping the competition dynamic and giving fans a direct role in deciding which pair advances each week.
Live Tour and Post-Season Events
What Happens After the Season Finale
The Dancing with the Stars live tour brings fan-favorite celebrities and professional partners to arenas across the country, offering a new production with extended routines and behind-the-scenes moments. These sold-out events allow viewers to experience the energy and athleticism of the show in person.
Beyond the tour, many past contestants appear in specials, interviews, and charity events, extending the reach of the brand and showcasing the ongoing influence of the program on popular culture.
Behind the Scenes Production Details
Costumes, Lighting, and Orchestra Elements
Hundreds of costume changes support each routine, with designers creating dazzling outfits that withstand intense rehearsal schedules and fast backstage changes. Elaborate lighting and set designs transform the ballroom into multiple themed worlds, from elegant waltz to vibrant Latin nights, ensuring each number feels cinematic on ABC.
Live musicians and prerecorded tracks are carefully synced to match the tempo of each dance, while camera operators use sweeping moves and close-ups to capture emotion, technique, and surprise in real time.
Key Takeaways for Viewers
- Watch live on ABC during prime time and stream through the official app for flexible viewing.
- Learn the scoring system that blends judge evaluations with viewer votes each week.
- Follow behind-the-scenes content to see costume design, rehearsals, and choreography preparation.
- Engage with the live tour for an expanded experience beyond the weekly broadcast.
FAQ
Reader questions
When does Dancing with the Stars air on ABC each week
New episodes typically air on Monday and Tuesday nights during prime time, with a live results show the following night where judges reveal scores and the elimination occurs.
Can I watch Dancing with the Stars live if I am in a different time zone
Yes, ABC provides live streaming through its official app and website, and most cable providers offer time-shifted viewing, so you can watch the show as it airs in your local time zone.
How can I vote for my favorite celebrity couple during the season
You can vote via the ABC app, the show website, and designated social media channels during the voting window after each performance episode, using your TV provider authentication when required.
Are professional dancers allowed to interact romantically off camera on the show
Producers maintain strict professional standards, and while genuine friendships often develop, any off-camera romantic relationships are subject to network policies and are handled discreetly to protect the competition and broadcast image.