Where to Watch Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the Stars is not available on Disney Plus. The show airs on ABC, and new episodes stream on Hulu the next day with a Hulu subscription. If you have the Disney Bundle (Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus together), you already have access to Hulu, so you can watch current seasons there.

Disney owns both ABC and Hulu, but they keep the show on Hulu rather than Disney Plus. This is the standard arrangement for ABC's prime-time shows — they premiere on the network and move to Hulu for streaming the following day.

Past seasons of Dancing with the Stars are also on Hulu, so if you want to watch earlier competitions or catch up on seasons you missed, that's where to find them. The full back catalog goes back several years.

Key Takeaways

  • Dancing with the Stars airs live on ABC and streams on Hulu the next day, not on Disney Plus.
  • If you have the Disney Bundle, Hulu is included, so you can watch new episodes without paying extra.
  • Past seasons are available on Hulu, letting you watch earlier competitions on demand.
  • You need a Hulu subscription (with or without ads) to stream the show — Disney Plus alone does not include it.
  • New episodes typically drop on Hulu in the morning after they air on ABC.

Hulu Subscription Options for Watching the Show

Hulu offers two subscription tiers: Hulu with ads and Hulu (No Ads). Both include full access to Dancing with the Stars episodes. The ad-supported version costs less per month, while the ad-free version removes commercials during playback.

The Disney Bundle combines Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus into one monthly payment. If you already subscribe to Disney Plus, adding Hulu through the bundle is often cheaper than paying for them separately. You can choose either the ad-supported or ad-free Hulu tier when you select the bundle.

Hulu also offers a free trial period for new subscribers, though the length varies. Check Hulu's website directly for current trial terms before signing up.

How to Find Dancing with the Stars on Hulu

Once you log into Hulu, search for "Dancing with the Stars" in the search bar at the top of the app or website. The show will appear in the results, and you can click to see all available seasons and episodes.

Current-season episodes appear in a dedicated section once they're added. Older seasons are organized by year, so you can browse and select which season you want to watch. Episodes are available to stream anytime after they air on ABC — you don't have to watch them live.

If you're watching on a TV, you can use the Hulu app on your smart TV, streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick), gaming console, or through a cable provider's app if they offer Hulu. The show streams in the same quality across all devices.

Timing: When New Episodes Drop on Hulu

New episodes of Dancing with the Stars air live on ABC on Monday nights (the schedule can shift slightly depending on the season). Episodes typically become available on Hulu the following morning, usually by 8 a.m. Eastern Time, though the exact time can vary.

If you can't watch live on ABC, waiting until the next morning to stream on Hulu is the standard way most viewers catch the show. You won't miss anything by watching on Hulu instead of live — the full episode is there, just without the live voting element.

During the competition season, new episodes air weekly. Off-season, the show is not on the air, so there are no new episodes to stream. Check Hulu's schedule or ABC's website to see when the next season begins.

What Happens to Older Seasons

Hulu keeps past seasons of Dancing with the Stars available for streaming indefinitely. You can watch Season 1 from 2005 all the way through the most recent completed season. This makes Hulu the best place to catch up if you're new to the show or want to revisit a favorite season.

Some streaming services remove older seasons after a certain time, but Hulu's model is to keep the full catalog available. This means you can start from the beginning and work your way through, or jump to any season that interests you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Dancing with the Stars live on Hulu?

No, Hulu does not offer live streaming of ABC broadcasts. You must watch the show live on ABC itself, or wait until the next morning to stream the full episode on Hulu. Some cable providers' apps do offer live ABC streaming if you have a cable subscription.

Do I need Disney Plus to watch Dancing with the Stars?

No. Disney Plus and Hulu are separate services. You need only Hulu to watch Dancing with the Stars. If you already have Disney Plus but not Hulu, you would need to add Hulu or switch to the Disney Bundle.

Can I watch Dancing with the Stars for free?

You cannot watch it for free on Hulu long-term, but Hulu does offer a free trial for new subscribers. The trial period varies, so check Hulu's current offer. After the trial ends, you need a paid subscription to continue watching.

What if I have cable and ABC?

You can watch live on ABC at no extra cost if you have cable. If you want to stream on-demand later, you still need a Hulu subscription — cable access to ABC does not include Hulu streaming rights.

Are closed captions available on Hulu?

Yes, Hulu includes closed captions for Dancing with the Stars episodes. You can turn captions on or off in the player settings while watching on any device.