20 Years of Sweat, Sequins, and Stardom: Why Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Is a Celebration Worth Watching

iWomanTV
Sep 25
3 min read

When Dancing with the Stars first hit TV screens in 2005, no one could’ve predicted it would still be capturing hearts 20 years later. But here we are, just beginning Season 34, and the ballroom is just as sparkling, the drama just as juicy, and the dance routines just as jaw-dropping as ever.

This season holds sentimental value as well, as the hit competition show celebrates two decades of glitz, grit, and growth. And whether you’ve been watching since the Cha-Cha craze of Season 1 or you’re just tuning in for the TikTok stars, Season 34 is shaping up to be something truly special.

Hype for the new season always starts with an early reveal of a couple of the stars well before it actually airs. This year's first announcement was met with excitement and many swoons. Robert Irwin, the son of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin and younger brother of Season 21 winner Bindi Irwin, was revealed as the first star of season 34 when he appeared shirtless with a snake wrapped around his shoulders a la Britney Spears. Irwin immediately became a hit on social media, with all the ladies swooning.

He's just one in a cast that full of reality stars, athletes, actors, and influencers who really embody the spirit of culture in 2025 to celebrate 20 years of the hit show. And the stars are not the only newcomers to the dancefloor. A new pro has been added as well. Also known as the super hot dancer on Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour, Jan Ravnik made his show debut with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck (who is 9 weeks post-partum by the way).

While the heart of DWTS is still beating strong, Season 34 has also leaned into some fresh updates. First, it’s more accessible than ever. Fans can now stream the show live on both ABC and Disney+, a nod to younger viewers who never touched cable. Behind the scenes, subtle format tweaks are keeping fans on their toes. There are stricter elimination rules, more unpredictable scoring moments, and a growing sense that every dance truly counts.

When it first aired, the show lived and died by Nielsen ratings. Now? It lives on TikTok and Instagram reels. Recent seasons have seen couples sky rocket to popularity with help from their viral social videos and showcasing friendship chemistry behind the scenes as well as their chemistry as dance partners. Hello Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten last year! The show’s ability to trend week after week proves that even after two decades the show knows its audience and can keep up with culture.

So what’s the secret sauce to its longevity?

At its core, Dancing with the Stars still offers something timeless: real transformation in real time. Celebrities step onto the floor unsure of themselves, and over the course of weeks, we watch them stumble, sweat, and shine. With the added bonus of social media fueling everyone's parasocial relationships with the cast, its no wonder the show is still so beloved. There's a sense of watching your real friends put themselves out there in front of millions of people to do something they've never done before, each week getting to see your faves improve and try more daring steps. While the season only just begun, it's sure to be a sparkly magical one.

Read below to see the celebs vying for the mirrorball trophy and their pro dancing partners!

Baron Davis (Basketball Player) & Britt Stewart