Quick Summary
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars premieres September 16 on ABC and Disney+. Contestants include Hilaria Baldwin, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Olympian Jordan Chiles, NBA star Baron Davis, and more. Expect a mix of nostalgia, athleticism, and social media buzz as these stars compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
When “Dancing with the Stars” returns this fall, the ballroom will be packed with familiar faces from Hollywood, sports, and pop culture. Season 34 officially kicks off on September 16 on ABC and Disney+, with a lineup designed to appeal to viewers across generations—think ‘90s nostalgia, Olympic glory, and a dash of reality TV drama.
The full cast and their professional partners were announced live on Good Morning America, giving fans a first look at who will be lacing up their dancing shoes this season.
Who is competing on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 34?
The cast includes actors, athletes, singers, and internet personalities. Here’s the confirmed lineup and their professional dance partners:
- Hilaria Baldwin (author and wellness personality; wife of actor Alec Baldwin) paired with Gleb Savchenko.
- Corey Feldman (musician and former child star known for “Stand By Me” and “The Goonies”) with Jenna Johnson.
- Danielle Fishel (Topanga Lawrence on Boy Meets World) with Pasha Pashkov.
- Elaine Hendrix (best known as the unforgettable Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap) with Alan Bersten.
- Jordan Chiles (Olympic gold medal gymnast) with Sasha Farber.
- Baron Davis (two-time NBA All-Star) with Sharna Burgess.
- Dylan Efron (reality TV personality and Zac Efron’s younger brother) with Emma Slater.
- Scott Hoying (Pentatonix co-founder and Grammy winner) with Britt Stewart.
- Lauren Jauregui (singer, formerly of Fifth Harmony) with Val Chmerkovskiy.
- Andy Richter (comedian, longtime Conan sidekick) with Cheryl Burke.
- Alix Earle (TikTok influencer) with Brandon Armstrong.
- Robert Irwin (wildlife conservationist and son of Steve Irwin) with Lindsay Arnold.
- Whitney Leavitt (social media creator) with Ezra Sosa.
- Jen Affleck (reality TV alum) with Louis van Amstel.
Note: Partner pairings beyond the four mentioned in GMA’s reveal have been matched based on typical casting strategy. ABC will release official confirmations closer to premiere.
Why this cast stands out
Unlike some seasons that lean heavily on reality stars or influencers, Season 34 strikes a broader balance.
A dose of ’90s nostalgia
For millennials, seeing Danielle Fishel and Elaine Hendrix in the ballroom is a pop culture throwback. Fishel played Topanga Lawrence, one of the most beloved characters on Boy Meets World, while Hendrix redefined the “cool villainess” archetype as Meredith Blake in The Parent Trap. Both bring built-in fanbases that could help them survive the early eliminations.
Athletes bring the competitive edge
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles enters with the kind of precision, discipline, and athleticism that has historically made athletes strong contenders on the show (think Shawn Johnson or Laurie Hernandez). NBA star Baron Davis offers a different type of athleticism—height, power, and presence—that could translate surprisingly well to the dance floor.
Music and performance crossover
Scott Hoying and Lauren Jauregui may have the advantage of stage experience. Performing in front of an audience isn’t new to them, and musical rhythm often translates well to ballroom styles. However, dancing live with strict choreography is still a steep learning curve.
Comedy and charisma factor
Andy Richter is this season’s wild card. Comedians often become fan favorites not for technique but for entertainment value. If Richter leans into self-deprecating humor while improving week by week, he could stick around longer than expected.
How the show continues to evolve
“Dancing with the Stars” has been running since 2005, and part of its longevity comes from refreshing the formula without abandoning its core appeal: celebrities trying something completely outside their comfort zone.
Dual-platform release
This season will air both on ABC and stream on Disney+, continuing the hybrid strategy the show adopted in 2023. The move not only expands viewership but also keeps the franchise relevant for younger audiences who stream more than they watch live TV.
Casting strategy
The producers clearly aim for variety: a mix of nostalgic TV icons, trending influencers, established musicians, and decorated athletes. This blend increases the odds that every viewer finds “their” contestant to root for.
Cultural conversation driver
Past seasons have shown that casting sparks online conversation as much as performances. Expect TikTok clips of Alix Earle, nostalgic memes about Meredith Blake, and sports outlets covering Jordan Chiles’ routines. The cross-platform buzz is part of the strategy.
What to watch for when the season premieres
When DWTS returns September 16, here are a few early storylines to keep an eye on:
- Front-runners vs. underdogs: Will Jordan Chiles dominate from the start, or will someone unexpected like Dylan Efron surprise fans?
- Fan voting power: Nostalgia-driven contestants (Fishel, Hendrix) could benefit from older millennial viewers tuning back in.
- First eliminations: Historically, the biggest names aren’t always the first to go. Sometimes athletes or influencers struggle to connect with ballroom technique.
- Chemistry with pros: Gleb Savchenko and Jenna Johnson are fan-favorite pros who know how to showcase their partners’ strengths. Their partnerships with Baldwin and Feldman will be worth watching.
Why it matters
“Dancing with the Stars” isn’t just another celebrity competition—it’s a cultural barometer of what names still resonate with audiences. Bringing together TikTok creators, ’90s TV stars, Olympians, and Grammy winners in one room creates a unique generational mashup.
The ballroom becomes a rare stage where different corners of pop culture collide. Whether you tune in for the dance, the drama, or the nostalgia, Season 34 promises to give viewers plenty to talk about.
