Why Dancing with the Stars is not on YouTube TV
Dancing with the Stars does not appear on YouTube TV because the show is broadcast on ABC, and YouTube TV has not reached a carriage agreement to carry the ABC channel in its live-TV lineup. YouTube TV typically includes major broadcast networks, but channel availability depends on ongoing negotiations, regional broadcast affiliates, and local signal rights that can differ by area.
How YouTube TV handles broadcast networks
YouTube TV is a live-TV streaming service that delivers many national broadcast channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in most regions. However, every channel is delivered under a specific carriage agreement, which sets the terms, price, and conditions under which YouTube TV can offer the network to subscribers. If YouTube TV does not have a deal with a particular network or with the network’s affiliate group, that channel will be missing from the service even if it is otherwise available on other providers.
Regional broadcast affiliates and local signals
Broadcast networks like ABC are made up of both national feeds and dozens of local affiliate stations. YouTube TV may carry the national ABC signal but might not include every local affiliate in every ZIP code. Local affiliate negotiations can be separate from national deals, and missing local affiliates can sometimes affect whether certain network programs line up in the guide or appear with proper timing. Because Dancing with the Stars is produced by ABC and aired on affiliated stations in many markets, carriage depends on both the national and local agreements.
Dancing with the Stars and ABC rights
Dancing with the Stars is an ABC production and airs on the ABC broadcast network as part of its primetime lineup. ABC owns the programming, but local affiliates transmit the network feed and handle some advertising and, in some cases, scheduling variations. YouTube TV’s ability to offer Dancing with the Stars is therefore tied to whether YouTube TV’s ABC agreement includes the network’s primetime slate and related local affiliate rights in a given area.
What to do when a show is missing from YouTube TV
- Check the YouTube TV live channel guide and searchable library to see whether ABC or local affiliates are included where you live.
- Compare lineups across providers (for example, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, or a traditional cable package) to confirm whether ABC and Dancing with the Stars are carried locally.
- Watch ABC live using an antenna if you are near an over-the-air affiliate, or use the ABC app or website with TV provider credentials to stream the network if you already subscribe to a cable or satellite tier that includes it.
- Contact YouTube TV support to request specific channels and to get the latest information about ongoing negotiations, as channel additions or removals can change over time.
Broader context for carriage on live TV streaming services
Carriage disputes happen when networks and streaming providers cannot agree on price, terms, or access to local affiliates. When a popular show like Dancing with the Stars is involved, viewer interest in the negotiation increases, but the availability ultimately depends on legal commercial agreements and broadcast regulation. These agreements are renewed periodically, and channels can be added or removed when terms change, which is why a show that is missing today could return later if a new deal is reached.
Quick comparison of live TV streaming options for ABC (illustrative)
| Provider | Includes ABC (national) | Local ABC affiliate availability varies by market | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Yes (in most areas) | Varies by ZIP code and affiliate agreement | Check in-app lineups for your location |
| FuboTV | Yes (in most areas) | Varies by region and affiliate | Flexible regional packages |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes (in most areas) | Varies by market | Bundle with on-demand Hulu content |
| DirecTV Stream | Yes (in most areas) | Varies by area | Check plan tiers for local channels |
Key terms to understand
- Carriage agreement: A commercial contract that allows a streaming service to retransmit a broadcast network’s signal and programming.
- Affiliate: A local station that broadcasts a network feed while also inserting regional advertising and schedule adjustments.
- Blackout: A restriction that prevents a stream from showing a local or regional signal outside its designated area, often due to sports rights or affiliate exclusivity.
- Primetime: The prime viewing hours (typically 8–11 PM local time) during which major broadcast shows like Dancing with the Stars usually air.
Why this matters for viewers
If you are looking for Dancing with the Stars on YouTube TV, the absence of the show usually means the service does not currently carry ABC in your area or has not included the network’s primetime block in its package. You can verify this by opening the YouTube TV app or website, using the search or channel guide for your ZIP code, and comparing the results with other services or an antenna. Understanding carriage agreements helps explain why shows move between platforms and why streaming lineups can differ by location and over time.
Bottom line
Dancing with the Stars is not on YouTube TV because YouTube TV lacks a carriage agreement to carry ABC or the relevant local affiliate in your area. Availability can change when new agreements are signed, so checking YouTube TV’s current channel guide for your location and comparing it with other streaming services or an antenna is the most reliable way to confirm access to the show.