Dancing with the Stars streams on Hulu, not Disney Plus
Dancing with the Stars airs on Hulu because Disney owns both platforms but keeps the show's streaming rights separate from Disney Plus. The show moved to Hulu in 2022 after 30 seasons on ABC, and Disney assigned the streaming version to Hulu rather than adding it to Disney Plus. If you have a Disney Plus subscription alone, you will not find the show there — you need Hulu, either as a standalone subscription or bundled with Disney Plus.
The separation exists because streaming rights are sold and managed independently from broadcast rights. When ABC held the show, those rights belonged to ABC. When the show moved to Disney-owned platforms, Disney had to decide which of its services would carry it. They chose Hulu, which focuses on current and recent television, while Disney Plus emphasizes films and legacy content.
Key Takeaways
- Dancing with the Stars streams on Hulu, not Disney Plus, even though Disney owns both services.
- The show moved from ABC to Hulu in 2022 and has remained on Hulu for all new seasons since then.
- You can watch through a Hulu subscription alone, or through the Disney Bundle, which includes Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus.
- Past seasons are available on Hulu with a standard subscription; you do not need an add-on or premium tier.
How to watch Dancing with the Stars on Hulu
Open the Hulu app or website and search for "Dancing with the Stars." The show appears in the main feed and in the search results. Current-season episodes become available the day after they air on ABC, and older seasons are archived in full. You can stream on demand — you do not have to wait for a scheduled broadcast time.
If you already pay for Disney Plus, adding Hulu costs less than a separate Hulu subscription. Disney offers the Bundle, which includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus for one monthly price. Check your Disney Plus account settings to see if you can upgrade to the Bundle without canceling your current plan.
Why Disney split the show between ABC and Hulu
When a show airs on television, the broadcast rights and streaming rights are often owned separately. ABC broadcasts the live episodes on television, while Hulu holds the streaming rights. This split allows Disney to generate revenue from both the television broadcast (through ads and cable fees) and the streaming service (through subscriptions).
Disney Plus is designed primarily for family-friendly films, series, and legacy content from Disney's archives. Hulu is Disney's platform for current television shows, recent movies, and adult-oriented content. Dancing with the Stars fits Hulu's model better because it is a current television series that airs weekly and appeals to viewers who want to watch recent episodes on demand.
What seasons are available on Hulu
Hulu carries the full archive of Dancing with the Stars going back several years. You can watch Season 31 (the first season on Hulu) and every season since, plus earlier seasons depending on licensing agreements. The exact number of past seasons available changes, so check the Hulu app to see the full list.
New episodes from the current season appear on Hulu the day after they broadcast on ABC. If you miss an episode on television, you can catch up through Hulu without waiting for a rerun or special replay.
Comparing your viewing options
| Option | Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (with ads) | Monthly subscription | Dancing with the Stars, current episodes next day |
| Hulu (ad-free) | Higher monthly subscription | Same as above, no ads |
| Disney Bundle | One monthly price | Hulu, Disney Plus, ESPN Plus |
| Disney Plus alone | Monthly subscription | Does not include Dancing with the Stars |
The Disney Bundle is the most economical choice if you want both Disney Plus and Hulu. Pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so compare the Bundle price against separate subscriptions on the Disney website.
Why the show left ABC
Dancing with the Stars moved from ABC to Disney Plus-owned platforms in 2022 after 30 seasons on broadcast television. The shift reflects a broader industry trend: networks are moving their shows to streaming services to build subscriber bases and reduce reliance on traditional television advertising.
The move to Hulu rather than Disney Plus was a strategic choice. Disney Plus focuses on building a family-friendly brand with films and series that appeal to a broad audience. Hulu serves viewers who want current television content and are willing to watch ads or pay for an ad-free experience. Dancing with the Stars, as a weekly competition show, fits Hulu's content strategy better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Dancing with the Stars on Disney Plus if I pay for the Bundle?
No. The Disney Bundle includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus, but Dancing with the Stars is only on Hulu. You will use your Hulu account within the Bundle to watch the show, not Disney Plus.
Do I have to pay extra to watch Dancing with the Stars on Hulu?
No. The show is included in a standard Hulu subscription. You do not need a premium add-on or tier. Both the ad-supported and ad-free Hulu plans include access to all seasons and episodes.
Are old seasons of Dancing with the Stars on Hulu?
Yes. Hulu carries multiple past seasons in addition to the current season. The exact number available varies, so check the Hulu app to see which seasons you can stream right now.
Why did Dancing with the Stars move from ABC to Hulu?
Disney moved the show to build its streaming subscriber base. Streaming services generate revenue through subscriptions rather than broadcast advertising, so networks are shifting popular shows to their streaming platforms. Hulu was chosen because it specializes in current television content.
Can I watch the live broadcast on ABC and then stream it on Hulu?
Yes. New episodes air live on ABC, and the same episodes appear on Hulu the next day. You can watch live on television or wait to stream on demand through Hulu.