Fans asking how long is DWTS finale can expect a longer broadcast than usual this year. The Season 34 finale of Dancing with the Stars is scheduled for a three-hour live special on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, starting at 8 p.m. ET and ending at 11 p.m. ET. This expanded runtime reflects major format changes, additional performances, and a larger group of finalists returning to the ballroom for one last night of competition.
The finale airs live on ABC and streams simultaneously on Disney+, with next-day streaming available.
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DWTS Season 34 Finale Runtime: The Confirmed Details
The confirmed broadcast plan features:
- Total Length: Three hours (8 p.m.–11 p.m. ET)
- Date: November 25, 2025
- Platforms: ABC and Disney+ (live), Hulu (next day)
- Format: Three competitive rounds plus group performances
This is one of the longest finales the show has produced, stretching beyond the typical two-hour format used for regular season episodes.
Why the DWTS Finale Is Three Hours This Season
A three-hour finale is unusual for the series, but Season 34’s structure makes the extended runtime necessary. Several key changes contributed to the longer broadcast:
More Dances Per Couple
For the first time, the finalists will compete in three full rounds:
- A judge-chosen “unlearned” dance
- A surprise “Instant Dance”
- A freestyle routine
Each round requires rehearsal time, stage resets, judging panels, and scoring, extending the show’s length beyond a typical finale.
Five Finalist Couples
This year includes five finalists, not the usual three or four. More contestants mean more routines and more choreography to fit into the schedule.
Returning Contestants
Eliminated couples will return for opening and mid-show performances. Group routines featuring the season’s cast add additional minutes to the show.
Guest Performances
Professional dancers, musical performers, and special guests are scheduled to appear, all of which require dedicated segments within the live broadcast.
Breakdown of the Finale’s Three-Hour Timeline
While live television always carries some unpredictability, viewers can expect the finale to follow a structure similar to this pacing:
Hour 1 (8:00–9:00 p.m. ET)
- Opening group performance
- Introductions of finalists
- First competitive round
- Judges’ commentary
- Live voting opens
Hour 2 (9:00–10:00 p.m. ET)
- Instant Dance round
- Back-to-back routines with shorter breaks
- Additional group numbers
- Highlights and rehearsal packages
Hour 3 (10:00–11:00 p.m. ET)
- Freestyle performances
- Final voting window
- Recap of the season
- Announcement of the champion
- Trophy presentation and closing dance
The structure ensures that each couple receives adequate time for performances while keeping the pacing smooth and engaging.
How the Instant Dance Affects the Length
The Instant Dance round is a major reason viewers are asking how long is DWTS finale. This new format requires dancers to perform to music revealed just before the live broadcast. Because of the complexity of staging last-minute music cues, camera blocking, and rehearsal changes, production requires extra time—contributing to the three-hour total.
Why the Extended Finale Matters for Viewers
A longer finale impacts viewers in several ways:
More Performances to Watch
With three competitive rounds and multiple bonus performances, fans get more dancing than any other episode of the season.
More Opportunities to Vote
A stretched broadcast offers more time for live voting windows, especially important when the outcome relies heavily on audience participation.
More Behind-the-Scenes Content
The finale includes rehearsal clips, interviews, cast reflections, and emotional moments not seen earlier in the season.
High-Energy, Fast-Paced Show
The three-hour structure reduces downtime, creating a quick flow from performance to performance.
West Coast and Central Time Zone Information
For viewers outside the Eastern Time Zone, the runtime stays the same:
- Central Time: 7 p.m.–10 p.m.
- Mountain Time: 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 5 p.m.–8 p.m.
The entire three-hour final block airs live in local time zones on ABC and Disney+. West Coast viewers get the advantage of watching the winner announced in real time without spoilers.
Comparison to Previous DWTS Finales
Season 34 marks a shift from the show’s traditional finale structure:
Past Finales
- Usually two hours
- Typically three or four finalists
- Two competition rounds
- Fewer guest performers
- Limited instant-reaction elements
Season 34 Finale
- Full three hours
- Five finalists
- Three competitive rounds
- More returning dancers
- Larger production scale
This expanded approach reflects the show’s growing streaming audience and increasing interest in live competition formats.
What Viewers Should Expect from the Live Experience
With a three-hour finale, here’s what fans can plan for:
- More emotional stories due to expanded rehearsal packages
- Higher production value, including bigger sets and lighting design
- Fast transitions between dances, keeping the energy high
- Surprise guests woven throughout the broadcast
- A dramatic final reveal near the end of the third hour
The format is designed to celebrate the season, highlight dancers’ growth, and deliver a high-impact closing night.
Final Takeaway
The answer to how long is DWTS finale is clear: Dancing with the Stars Season 34 will air as a three-hour live event from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET on November 25, 2025. The extended runtime brings more performances, more competition rounds, and a bigger celebration of the season’s standout dancers.
Want to share who you’re rooting for or discuss the new three-hour format? Drop a comment and join the conversation below!
