Understanding what time does dwts start has become more important than ever for viewers who follow every performance, score reveal, and elimination. With the show airing live, missing even a few minutes can mean missing a major dance, a judge’s critique, or the announcement of a fan-favorite couple landing in danger. The start time has remained consistent throughout the season, but many viewers still look for the exact live schedule each week—especially with streaming options, national simulcasts, and a three-hour finale approaching.
This in-depth guide provides a clear, accurate, and detailed breakdown of the start time, weekly structure, special broadcasts, and everything fans need to watch without confusion. The schedule is current as of today, and every detail reflects the verified updates available across networks and platforms.
The Current Weekly Start Time
The show continues to air in its long-established Tuesday night slot across the country. Every weekly episode begins at:
- 8:00 p.m. Eastern
- 7:00 p.m. Central
For Mountain and Pacific viewers, timing can shift depending on local station decisions. Some regions follow delayed broadcasts, while others stream the episode live through participating platforms. Though the variations can look confusing, the core weekly start time for the majority of U.S. viewers stays the same.
ABC has maintained this consistent position in the weekly primetime lineup, ensuring that fans know exactly when to tune in. With episodes running live, arriving late means missing key moments, especially since the show frequently opens with a group performance or a high-energy routine from one of the leading couples.
Why Viewers Search for the Start Time So Often
Even though the weekly slot is stable, many fans still search for what time does dwts start for several reasons:
- The show airs live, and timing affects voting eligibility.
- Streaming has expanded, and platforms sometimes promote differing schedules.
- Special episodes vary from the standard run time, leaving viewers unsure.
- Simulcasts across time zones can shift start times for West Coast audiences.
- Sports broadcasts or network specials occasionally adjust the evening lineup in some local markets.
Additionally, major themed nights—such as Disney Night, Halloween Night, or the Semifinals—often draw higher viewership. Fans who do not want to miss a special competition segment check the start time repeatedly.
The Complete U.S. Time Zone Breakdown
To eliminate any uncertainty, here is the detailed start time structure for all U.S. regions:
Eastern Time (ET)
The show starts at 8:00 p.m. This is the primary time used in promotional material, and it is the first live broadcast.
Central Time (CT)
Central viewers see the episode at 7:00 p.m., one hour earlier than Eastern. This version is also live and synchronized with the East Coast airing.
Mountain Time (MT)
Mountain start times differ depending on whether the local ABC affiliate chooses a same-time or delayed presentation. Some broadcast at 7:00 p.m., others at 8:00 p.m. Many Mountain viewers rely on streaming to avoid delays.
Pacific Time (PT)
Pacific viewers may receive either a tape-delayed broadcast at 8:00 p.m. local time or a live simulcast at 5:00 p.m. local time through participating streaming platforms. For major episodes and the finale, the live simulcast option is more widely available.
Alaska and Hawaii
Because these states follow distinct broadcast windows, times vary by local station. Many viewers use streaming to watch at the same time as the continental U.S.
Understanding your time zone is the best way to ensure that you catch the opening minutes without interruption.
Weekly Format and Runtime Expectations
Each weekly episode follows a structured flow, beginning promptly when the broadcast clock strikes the opening minute. The format usually includes:
- An opening performance or group number
- Introductions of the hosts, judges, and competitors
- Individual routines from each couple
- Judges’ scoring and critiques
- Voting windows for participating regions
- Bottom-two announcements
- Eliminations or safe-couple reveals
Because the program is live, the broadcasters do not delay the start for late viewers. Anyone tuning in even five minutes late may miss a full routine or part of the judge’s explanation.
The typical runtime throughout the season is two hours, though this fluctuates for special nights.
The Three-Hour Finale: A Major Schedule Extension
The upcoming finale is one of the most anticipated episodes of the year. Unlike the regular weekly format, the finale expands into a three-hour broadcast, allowing more performances, guest appearances, and extended scoring segments.
The confirmed finale window:
- 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern
- 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Central
Pacific viewers may receive the episode either as a live simulcast at 5:00 p.m. local time or a delayed West Coast showing at 8:00 p.m. local time, depending on their location and viewing platform.
Because of its length, the finale includes:
- A full lineup of finalist performances
- Freestyle routines
- Judges’ choice dances
- Instant-dance segments
- Seasonal recap packages
- Special guest performances
- Extended voting periods
- Live crowning of the champion
Fans looking to vote or follow the episode in real time will benefit from verifying the local start time ahead of the broadcast.
How Streaming Changes the Viewing Experience
With the rise of digital platforms, watching the show no longer relies solely on traditional television.
Disney+
The platform offers live access during episodes eligible for simulcast. When the show broadcasts live across the country, Disney+ viewers can begin watching at the exact start time of their region’s live feed. This option is popular among those in markets where ABC stations apply tape delay.
Hulu
Hulu provides next-day access for fans who miss the live broadcast. While this option doesn’t support same-night voting, it allows viewers to watch full episodes without waiting for a replay.
Live TV Streaming Services
Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and others carrying ABC run the live feed during scheduled broadcast hours. Availability varies by market, which is why verifying your platform’s access is essential.
Why Missing the Start Time Matters
The show’s highly polished structure means that major moments often occur right at the beginning. In recent seasons, the opening number has frequently featured:
- High-energy group dances
- Introduction of the theme for the night
- Special lighting effects or stage transitions
- Spotlight moments from top-scoring couples
- Sneak peeks of upcoming competitive segments
Additionally, some weeks begin with a top performer dancing first. Arriving late can mean missing scores that influence the entire leaderboard.
Voting windows usually align with real-time performances, so tuning in promptly is essential for those who want their votes counted.
How to Make Sure You Never Miss the Opening Minutes
Here are a few practical ways to stay on track each week:
- Use a consistent alarm or reminder for Tuesday evenings.
- Check your local ABC listing early in the day if you live in Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, or Hawaii time zones.
- Open your streaming platform early to avoid delays related to buffering or app updates.
- Keep your TV provider login handy, especially if you switch between devices.
- Confirm tonight’s episode schedule if a major news event or sports broadcast has occurred, as rare timing shifts can happen.
These steps ensure you are ready before the opening dance begins.
Understanding the Importance of Live Timing for Voting
Voting plays a central role in shaping the season’s outcomes. Because the show airs live, the voting window is tied directly to the broadcast. Fans who join late may miss the start of the voting period or only catch part of the performances before voting closes.
In some regions, tape-delayed broadcasts may affect the ability to vote. In that case, watching through live-enabled streaming platforms becomes the best option.
This is one of the biggest reasons why viewers actively look up what time does dwts start each week—timing directly influences participation.
What Makes the Start Time So Consistent Each Season
Several factors help maintain the dependable broadcast hour:
- Tuesday primetime availability offers a stable nationwide slot.
- Two-hour format aligns well with other network programming.
- Live broadcast coordination requires the network to maintain a standardized schedule.
- Viewer familiarity keeps audiences engaged at the same weekly time.
Because of these factors, fans rarely need to adapt to major schedule changes.
Final Takeaway
If the goal is to stay fully engaged with every dance, score, vote, and finale moment, knowing the exact start time is essential. The show continues to open its broadcast each Tuesday at a precise, predictable hour, and the finale stretches the excitement across a three-hour block. Whether watching on TV or streaming through a digital platform, tuning in right at the beginning ensures the full experience—uninterrupted, energetic, and perfectly paced.
Want to share how you keep up with the weekly start time or how you’ll be watching the finale? Add your thoughts below and keep the conversation going.