The when is Dancing with the Stars finale 2025 question has become one of the most searched topics among fans, and the answer is now confirmed: the Season 34 finale will air live on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The three-hour broadcast marks the end of a milestone year for the long-running competition and brings together the final five celebrity-pro pairs for one last night of ballroom action.
The finale arrives after a season filled with standout performances, major improvements from several contestants, and strong viewer engagement across platforms. With five finalists competing instead of the usual three or four, the event is shaping up to be one of the most competitive conclusion nights the series has hosted in years.
A Major Night for Season 34
The Dancing with the Stars finale 2025 is built as a full-scale celebration. This season marks the show’s 20th anniversary in the United States, and producers have expanded the finale format to match the significance of the milestone. The three-hour broadcast gives each finalist more stage time than in previous years, offering viewers a fuller look at their growth from the season premiere to the finale.
The season’s combination of veteran pros, first-time stars, and younger audiences drawn in through social platforms has helped restore strong interest in the series. Finale night is expected to highlight the best of the season while giving fans all the high-energy spectacle they look forward to each year.
Finale Date, Time, and How to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. MT / 5 p.m. PT
- Where to Watch: ABC and Disney+ (live simulcast)
- Next-Day Streaming: Hulu
The live simulcast allows viewers across time zones to watch in sync. Fans who want the full experience, including real-time voting, should plan to watch live. Viewers who cannot tune in Tuesday night will have access to the full episode the following day on Hulu.
The Final Five Competing for the Mirrorball Trophy
Season 34 narrowed the field to five finalists, each representing a different style, background, and fan base. Only one pair will emerge with the Mirrorball Trophy:
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson – A duo known for emotional performances and strong storytelling.
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy – A crowd-favorite pair who built momentum week after week.
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach – A team praised for technical improvement and athletic routines.
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa – High-energy performers delivering consistently powerful dances.
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten – A charismatic pair with a strong comeback narrative.
With five strong contenders, the finale promises a tight race where every dance will matter.
What Makes This Finale Different
This year’s finale includes three dance rounds for each finalist, offering a deeper, more comprehensive showcase than earlier finales. Each round is designed to test a different aspect of the celebrity’s skillset.
1. Judges’ Choice Dance
The judges select a routine style that gives each couple a chance to either revisit a dance they struggled with or elevate a performance they excelled at earlier in the season. This round focuses on improvement, precision, and technique.
2. Instant Dance Challenge
A new twist for the American version of the show, this round pushes dancers out of their comfort zones. Couples receive their music and style shortly before performing. They must adapt quickly, rely on muscle memory, and trust each other in the moment.
The Instant Dance tests grace under pressure, musicality, and the ability to perform without extended rehearsal time.
3. Freestyle Performance
The freestyle is the finale’s signature moment. Couples choose any dance style, musical theme, or performance concept. There are no limits, making it the most creative and high-impact round.
Freestyles often feature sharp contrasts between emotional storytelling, cinematic staging, or high-energy athletic movement. Many past winners have secured their victory during this round.
What Viewers Can Expect During the Broadcast
The finale will open with a large group number featuring all eliminated contestants from Season 34. This celebratory routine brings familiar faces back to the stage and sets the tone for the three-hour special.
Additional segments expected during the live broadcast include:
- Behind-the-scenes recaps following the journeys of the final five
- Interviews with finalists and pros reflecting on the season’s challenges
- Live voting segments allowing viewers to help decide the winner
- A tribute to the show’s 20-year history, highlighting iconic routines, former champions, and memorable moments
These interludes help pace the intense dance rounds and maintain the excitement of the live event.
Why the Finale Matters to Fans
The Dancing with the Stars finale 2025 is more than the end of a season. It offers closure for fans who have followed each contestant’s evolution for months. Every year, the finale becomes a discussion point across social media, talk shows, and entertainment platforms.
This season’s strong mix of athletes, influencers, actors, and TV personalities created a wide audience base. Many viewers connected with personal stories shared in rehearsal packages, including contestants overcoming doubt, injuries, or emotional challenges. Finale night brings all those narratives to their peak.
A Look at the Finale Night Timeline
Below is a general breakdown of how the evening is expected to unfold:
8:00 p.m. ET
Grand opening number featuring all pros and celebrities from Season 34.
8:10–9:20 p.m. ET
Judges’ Choice routines performed by all finalists, followed by judges’ comments.
9:20–10:05 p.m. ET
Instant Dance Challenge, with each couple reacting to a surprise song and style.
10:05–10:40 p.m. ET
Freestyle routines—the most creative and anticipated segment of the night.
10:40–11:00 p.m. ET
Final votes tallied live, judges’ feedback recap, and announcement of the Mirrorball winner.
The extended length of the finale allows time for both elaborate staging and smooth transitions between dance rounds.
Tips for Viewers Watching Live
- Tune in early to catch the opening number.
- Participate in live voting if available in your area.
- Watch in real time if you want to avoid major spoilers on social platforms.
- Invite friends or family who enjoy dance, competition shows, or reality TV.
- Plan for the full three hours, as the winner will not be announced before the end.
The live format makes the viewing experience more engaging and brings fans closer to the action.
A High-Energy End to a Landmark Season
With the finale confirmed for November 25 at 8 p.m. ET, the countdown is officially on. The Dancing with the Stars finale 2025 brings together impressive talent, a polished lineup of finales dances, and a celebration of two decades of ballroom excellence in the United States. The competition remains wide open, and fans have a major role in determining who will take home the Mirrorball Trophy.
Share your pick for the winner in the comments and join the excitement as the finale approaches!