You know that feeling when you've spent weeks watching celebrities stumble through sambas only to become legitimate ballroom threats? It's almost time to see who actually takes home the Mirrorball. Honestly, this season of Dancing with the Stars has been a bit of a whirlwind, especially with the 20th-anniversary energy in the air. If you're like me, you're probably already clearing your schedule to make sure you don't miss a single stumble or perfect 10.
Finding the exact time for Dancing with the Stars finale can sometimes feel like trying to learn a quickstep in an hour—confusing and a little frantic. But don't worry. I’ve got the full breakdown of when to tune in, who’s left, and why this specific finale is basically going to take over your entire Tuesday night.
When does the DWTS Season 34 finale start?
The Season 34 finale is officially set for Tuesday, November 25, 2025. If you’re planning a watch party, you’ll want to have the snacks ready by 8:00 p.m. ET.
Because this is the big one, the show is stretching out. It’s a massive three-hour event, meaning it won't wrap up until 11:00 p.m. ET. That is a lot of glitter.
For everyone living in different time zones, here is how the clock looks for you:
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- Eastern Time: 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Central Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (Live on Disney+, tape-delayed on ABC for some regions—check your local listings!)
The show is being simulcast live on both ABC and Disney+. This is huge because it means you don't have to fight over the "good" TV in the living room; you can just stream it on your laptop if you're stuck in the kitchen making "Mirrorball-tinis." If you happen to miss the live broadcast, it’ll be sitting there waiting for you on Hulu the following morning, Wednesday, November 26.
Who are the finalists for Season 34?
It has been a wild road to get here. We started with 14 couples, and after some truly shocking eliminations—like Andy Richter and Boy Meets World legend Danielle Fishel—we are down to the final five.
The lineup for the finale is honestly stacked:
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: Robert is trying to follow in his sister Bindi’s footsteps. He’s got that same infectious energy, and Witney has pushed him into some seriously technical territory.
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: The "Get Ready With Me" queen has actually proved she can dance. Val has a way of turning social media stars into real contenders.
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: Coming off the Olympics, Jordan brought that "gymnastics power" but had to learn how to soften up for the ballroom. Watching her and Ezra has been a highlight.
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: Dylan has been the dark horse. He’s got that Zac Efron athleticism but with a totally different vibe.
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: Meredith Blake herself! She’s brought so much character and class to the floor, and Alan is clearly having the time of his life with her.
What happens during the three-hour finale?
You might be wondering: how do they fill three hours without it getting boring? Well, they don't. The finale is notoriously packed. Each of the five couples has to perform three different dances.
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First, there’s the Judges’ Choice. This is where Carrie Ann, Derek, and Bruno pick a style the couple struggled with earlier and tell them to do it better. Then there’s the Instant Dance, where they have to perform a routine to music they’ve only heard moments before. It’s pure chaos.
But the real reason we all watch? The Freestyle.
This is the "no rules" round. No one cares about "proper frame" or "footwork" here—it's all about the spectacle. Expect flips, pyrotechnics, and probably a few cameos. Speaking of cameos, all the eliminated contestants from Season 34 are coming back for a massive opening number set to "Never Can Say Goodbye."
The 20th Anniversary Factor
Since 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the show, the finale is leaning heavily into nostalgia. We’re expecting appearances from past winners. Rumor has it we might see a tribute to the late, great Len Goodman, which always brings the waterworks.
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Last year, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson took home the trophy in Season 33. This year, the stakes feel even higher because the "Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy" has become such a symbol of the show's legacy.
Actionable Tips for Finale Night
If you want the best viewing experience, there are a few things to keep in mind so you don't get spoiled.
- Vote Early: Remember that the winner isn't just chosen by the judges. Your votes matter. Voting usually opens at the very start of the show (8:00 p.m. ET) and closes shortly after the final competitive dance. You can vote online at ABC.com or via text.
- Check Your Stream: If you’re watching on Disney+, make sure your app is updated. Nothing ruins a finale like a "loading" circle right when Alfonso Ribeiro is about to announce the winner.
- Social Media Blackout: If you aren't watching live in the Eastern or Central time zones, stay off X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. The winner will be trending within seconds of the announcement.
The time for Dancing with the Stars finale is your last chance to support your favorite couple. Whether you're Team Robert or Team Alix, it’s going to be an emotional, glitter-filled night. Make sure you're tuned in at 8:00 p.m. sharp to catch the opening number!