What Time Does Dancing with the Stars Air
Dancing with the Stars typically airs in the evening on ABC, with the live show most common on Mondays and Tuesdays, and results or performance nights on Sundays. Exact start times vary by season, time zone, and whether the episode is live or prerecorded. For the U.S. Eastern Time Zone, new seasons commonly launch around 8:00 PM ET for performance episodes and 9:00 PM ET or later for results shows, with earlier local starts in later seasons. If you are asking what time is Dancing with the Stars in your area, the reliable approach is to check your local ABC affiliate listing or an up-to-date TV listings site for the confirmed local start time.
How to Find the Local Start Time
Because ABC affiliates may preempt the show for special programming, regional sports, or breaking news, the safest way to confirm the start time is to check a current source specific to your location. Use any of these options to lock in the accurate local time and avoid missing the first dance.
- ABC.com: Enter your ZIP code on the schedule page to see the exact local airtime for tonight’s episode.
- TV listings apps: Grid-style apps such as TV Guide or NextGuide show the local start with time zone adjustments.
- Station website or app: Your local ABC affiliate often posts a live schedule with any preemption notices.
- Set-top guide or smart TV app: Use the built-in guide on your television to verify the scheduled time.
- Social channels: The show’s official accounts and the affiliate station sometimes post reminders if the start shifts.
Seasonal and Holiday Timing Patterns
While the core pattern is an evening launch on weeknights, Dancing with the Stars adjusts for holidays, special weeks, and competition phases. During the main competition, most seasons run two episodes per week, with performance and results often separated by one or two days. In holiday weeks or special themed runs, episodes may move to earlier or later in the day, or be combined into a single longer broadcast. Understanding these shifts matters when you ask what time is Dancing with the Stars on a particular night, since the schedule can compress or extend the usual blocks.
Standard Weekly Layout in Most Seasons
Below is a simplified example of how the show commonly positions its live and time-shifted broadcasts during a typical competition week. Always confirm with your local listing, since these can shift based on special events or breaking programming.
| Day | Typical Segment | Approximate U.S. Eastern Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Performance night | 8:00–10:00 PM ET | Dances are shown and scored |
| Tuesday | Result night | 8:00–10:00 PM ET | Scores revealed and eliminations occur |
| Sunday | Special or encore episodes | Varies, often early evening | Themed shows or highlights |
Live vs. Time-Shifted Viewing
Dancing with the Stars is broadcast live in most U.S. time zones on the main ABC channel, which means the on-air clock matches the actual performance for that region. If you are on the West Coast, the live feed follows Pacific Time, so an 8:00 PM ET broadcast begins at 5:00 PM local. Some markets may carry alternate feeds, pre-emptions, or same-day rebroadcasts on sister channels or streaming platforms. If you rely on streaming services or cable replays, what time is Dancing with the Stars for you may differ from the live network clock by minutes or, in rare scheduling conflicts, by a different window.
Streaming and On-Demand Options
When live viewing is not possible, you can still catch the show soon after the broadcast ends. Episodes typically appear the same day on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and the ABC app with Live TV features. The timing of these streams generally aligns with the local or network feed, and commercial breaks are preserved. On-demand clips and highlights are often available within hours, giving flexibility if you cannot watch the full episode at the scheduled start. If you ask what time is Dancing with the Stars on a streaming service, expect it to mirror the network slot with only minor variations for technical delays or regional restrictions.
Why Start Times Can Change
Several factors can shift the scheduled start, including breaking news, major sports events, awards shows, or decisions by the network to adjust the lineup for promotional pushes. Local stations also influence timing with regional commercials, breaking alerts, or extended news coverage. Because of this, it is important to confirm the current start time close to airdate, especially during sweeps periods or around major holidays when programming changes frequently.
Tips to Never Miss the First Dance
Setting reliable reminders and combining multiple sources reduces the chance of missing an episode due to a schedule change.
- Add a recurring calendar event for the show based on your local affiliate’s confirmed time.
- Enable notifications in the ABC app or your TV provider’s app for lineup changes.
- Check TV listings the morning of the episode to catch any preemption notices.
- Record or use cloud DVR when possible to preserve the episode if timing is tight.
- Bookmark the official show page and the local affiliate schedule for quick reference.
Final Takeaway
Dancing with the Stars generally airs in the evening on weeknights, most often Monday and Tuesday in the U.S., with start times hovering around 8:00 to 10:00 PM ET depending on the season and region. Because local schedules, live feeds, and streaming availability can shift the perceived time, always confirm with your local ABC listing or an up-to-date TV guide for the exact start in your area.