Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars concluded in early December and was marked by the twentieth anniversary of the long-running competition series. This season featured a wide range of celebrity contestants, several new themes, as well as special episodes that highlighted the history of the show. It aired from mid-September through the beginning of December and brought in steady viewership across the fall.
The cast included social media influencer Alix Earle, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, actor Dylan Efron, and several other public figures from different entertainment and sports backgrounds. Each celebrity was paired with a professional dancer and competed weekly in styles including the cha-cha, tango, jive, and contemporary.
Viewership for the season stayed consistent and even increased during certain themed weeks. One example was TikTok Night, which focused on popular online dance trends. Another major event was the twentieth anniversary celebration episode. It included appearances from former pros and past champions and featured Tom Bergeron as a guest judge. The episode also included a tribute to former head judge Len Goodman, which was noted by many viewers as one of the most emotional moments of the season.
The judging panel included Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, who continued to score each routine using the usual system. As in earlier seasons, certain scores generated debate among viewers. Criticism increased following the elimination of contestant Whitney Leavitt shortly before the finale. Some fans expressed disagreement with the scoring on social media, and the moment became one of the most debated eliminations of the season.
The finalists ultimately delivered some of the highest-scoring routines of the competition. Robert Irwin and his partner, Witney Carson, consistently earned strong marks from the judges. Their dances demonstrated clear improvement and strong technical execution across multiple styles. Irwin went on to win the Mirrorball Trophy for Season 34.
Alix Earle, who danced with Val Chmerkovskiy, finished in second place. She showed steady progress throughout the season and received consistent support from viewers online. Jordan Chiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, placed third. Chiles began the season with notable athletic ability and continued to develop her performance skills week by week. Dylan Efron and his partner finished in fourth place, and his performances received attention due in part to the support shown by his brother, Zac Efron, in the audience.
The voting and elimination process followed the familiar combination of judges’ scores and audience votes. Several eliminations throughout the season were viewed as unpredictable, which created ongoing discussion among fans but also maintained interest in the weekly results.
Season 34 was structured to recognize both the present competition and the twenty-year history of the series. The production incorporated nostalgic elements while still focusing on current trends and celebrity personalities. Many of the themes and guest appearances were chosen to highlight how the show has evolved since its debut.
The finale wrapped up with multiple freestyle routines, final judges’ scores, and live audience voting. When Robert Irwin was announced as the winner, the season officially closed with a mix of celebratory footage and reflections on the anniversary milestone. The overall response to the season was generally positive, and many viewers noted that the combination of veteran dancers, returning guests, and new contestants gave the show a balanced and engaging feel.
As the season ends, attention now turns toward Season 35. Casting and theme decisions have not yet been announced, but based on the reception of Season 34, the show appears to have maintained both fan interest and cultural relevance moving forward.
