You're sitting on the couch, maybe with a bowl of popcorn or just your phone in hand, and you realize you have no idea where to find the ballroom. It happens to the best of us. Between the jumps from cable to streaming and the back-and-forth between networks, finding out what channel is dancing with the stars on tonight has become a bit of a scavenger hunt.
Honestly, the landscape of TV has changed so much that even die-hard fans get turned around.
If you are looking for the live show today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, here is the short version: The TV show is not currently airing new episodes. Season 34 wrapped up its glittery run back in December 2025. However, that doesn't mean the ballroom is empty. There is a massive live tour happening right now, and if you're looking for the broadcast, there are specific places where you can catch up on every single Samba and Waltz you missed.
Where to Find the Show When It Returns
Usually, the show follows a very specific rhythm. For the last couple of years, Disney has been playing around with how we consume the show. It’s a hybrid model now. Basically, it’s not just an "ABC show" anymore.
When the show is in season—typically during the fall—you can find it on:
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- ABC: Your local broadcast affiliate.
- Disney+: They stream it live at the exact same time it airs on TV.
- Hulu: You can catch the episodes here the very next day.
It’s actually a pretty cool setup because it means you aren't tethered to a cable box. If you have a decent internet connection, you're good. But since we are currently in the "off-season" for the televised competition, your search for what channel is dancing with the stars on tonight might actually lead you to the live stage instead of the small screen.
The 2026 Live Tour Is In Full Swing
If you are looking for DWTS action right this second, it’s happening on a stage, not a soundstage. The Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2026 Tour is currently trekking across North America.
Tonight, January 17, doesn't have a scheduled tour date listed, but the cast is gearing up for a heavy run starting in just a few days. They’ll be in Akron, Ohio on January 22nd and hitting the Boch Center in Boston by the 24th.
It’s a different vibe than the TV show. You get the pros—people like Witney Carson and Emma Slater—performing routines that are way more athletic than what they can usually fit into a two-minute TV slot. Special guests for this 2026 run include Robert Irwin, who basically became a household name after his Season 34 win, and the legendary Andy Richter.
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Watching the Replays and Specials
Maybe you aren't looking for a tour. Maybe you just want to see the 20th Anniversary specials again.
If you go to Disney+ right now, you can find the entire 34th season. That season was a big deal. It marked 20 years of the show being on the air. Tom Bergeron even made a guest appearance during the "20th Birthday Party" episode, which was a massive nostalgia trip for anyone who has been watching since the Kelly Monaco days back in 2005.
Common Streaming Hang-ups
There was a big mess recently with YouTube TV. If you use that service, you might have noticed ABC disappeared for a bit during the last season because of a contract dispute between Disney and Google.
If that happens again, or if you're stuck in a blackout, your best bet is always the Disney+ app. They don't have the same geographical restrictions as local cable channels.
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What About Season 35?
Everyone is asking about the next season. While ABC and Disney+ haven't dropped the official premiere date for Season 35 yet, the pattern is pretty predictable. They almost always launch in mid-September.
Until then, the "channel" for the stars is mostly the 2026 Live Tour or your favorite streaming app for rewatches.
If you’re trying to plan your viewing for the rest of the month, here is a quick look at where the live cast will be:
- January 22: Akron, OH (Akron Civic Theatre)
- January 24-25: Boston, MA (Boch Center)
- January 27: Bangor, ME (Cross Insurance Center)
- January 30-31: Uncasville, CT (Mohegan Sun Arena)
Actionable Next Steps
Since the show isn't on TV tonight, you have a few ways to get your fix:
- Check Ticketmaster: If you want to see the pros live, look for the "Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2026 Tour" tickets. Many dates in February and March are still available.
- Sync your Disney+: If you missed the Season 34 finale where Robert Irwin took home the Mirrorball, go watch Episode 11 of the last season. It’s about two hours of pure production value.
- Set an Alert: Use a TV tracking app like TV Time to notify you the second Season 35 is officially announced for the Fall 2026 schedule.
Knowing what channel is dancing with the stars on tonight depends entirely on whether you’re looking for a live broadcast or just a way to see some high-quality ballroom dance. Right now, your best "channel" is a streaming sub or a front-row seat at a theater near you.