What time does dwts start is one of the most-searched questions among fans as the show continues its highly followed run on ABC. As of today, the confirmed schedule remains the same: Dancing With the Stars airs live on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Central on ABC, with episodes also streaming live on Disney+ in supported regions and available the next day on Hulu. The Season 34 finale, airing Tuesday, November 25, 2025, will run as a three-hour live event from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern, simulcast across participating ABC stations and Disney+.
Table of Contents
The Current Weekly Start Time
Each weekly episode begins at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT, a schedule ABC has consistently maintained throughout the season. For Mountain and Pacific viewers, the airing time may follow either a delayed broadcast or a live simulcast, depending on the local ABC affiliate and platform used for streaming.
Disney+ continues offering live access during episodes labeled for simulcast. Hulu posts new episodes the following day for viewers who prefer on-demand access.
Finale Night: Extended Live Broadcast
The Season 34 finale will air on November 25, 2025, as a special three-hour live broadcast. The confirmed window is:
- 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern
- 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Central
Many West Coast viewers will receive a true live simulcast at 8:00 p.m. Pacific, depending on their ABC market or streaming platform. The expanded finale allows added performances, special guests, and multiple competition rounds before the Mirrorball champion is crowned.
Why the Time Listing Can Differ
Sometimes viewers see “8/7c,” which simply reflects the standard broadcast shorthand:
- 8 p.m. for Eastern and Pacific listings
- 7 p.m. for Central viewers
For major episodes, ABC often airs DWTS live across all U.S. time zones. When that happens, a viewer on the West Coast may receive the broadcast at the same local time as the East Coast, though some stations may still use their regional schedule. Live streaming platforms typically follow the simulcast schedule.
Quick Guide: DWTS Finale Start Time by U.S. Time Zone
| U.S. Time Zone | Local Start Time (Finale – Nov. 25, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. |
| Central (CT) | 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. |
| Mountain (MT) | Varies (check local listing or simulcast) |
| Pacific (PT) | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. |
| Alaska/Hawaii | Check local broadcast schedule |
Because some ABC stations follow regional patterns, viewers in Alaska and Hawaii should verify local listings. Live access may differ across streaming platforms.
How to Watch Live or On-Demand
ABC (TV broadcast):
Tune in at your local affiliate’s listed time, generally following the 8/7c schedule.
Disney+:
Episodes marked for live simulcast are accessible during the broadcast window. This includes the finale, which will stream live where Disney+ supports the feature.
Hulu:
If you miss the live run, the episode appears on Hulu the next day.
Live TV Streaming Services:
Platforms such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and others that carry ABC provide live access during broadcast hours, depending on market availability.
What Happens During the Finale’s Time Block
The three-hour finale includes several key elements:
- Judges’ choice routines
- Freestyle performances
- Instant-dance segments
- Special guest performances
- Recaps of the season
- Final audience voting
- Announcement of the Mirrorball champion
Because the broadcast is live, voting windows typically open during the episode for eligible viewers, though availability may vary for tape-delayed markets.
Tips to Avoid Missing the Start Time
- Set a reminder for 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Central each Tuesday.
- If streaming, sign in a few minutes early to prevent delays caused by buffering.
- Viewers outside the continental U.S. should confirm their local ABC affiliate’s schedule.
- If you rely on Disney+ for the live stream, make sure your region supports the live feature for DWTS.
Short FAQ
What time does DWTS start tonight?
It begins at 8 p.m. Eastern / 7 p.m. Central, with some regions receiving a simultaneous live broadcast.
Is the finale longer than regular episodes?
Yes. The finale on November 25, 2025, is confirmed as a three-hour live special.
Can I stream the episode live?
Yes. Disney+ offers live simulcasts when available, and live TV providers with ABC coverage stream it in real time.
Is next-day viewing available?
Hulu posts new episodes the following day.
Bottom Line
Whether tuning in weekly or preparing for the finale, the key broadcast window stays consistent: Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. Eastern / 7:00 p.m. Central, with the finale running from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern on November 25, 2025. Checking your local ABC or streaming platform ensures you never miss the opening minutes of a live performance.
Did this help you find out exactly what time DWTS starts? Share your thoughts below and let others know how you’ll be watching tonight.
