Dancing with the Stars streams on a different platform, not Disney Plus

Dancing with the Stars is not on Disney Plus because Disney does not own the broadcast rights to the show. The program airs on ABC and streams on Hulu, both of which are Disney properties, but the content licensing agreement keeps it off Disney Plus specifically. If you have a Disney Plus subscription, you will need to use Hulu or watch the show live on ABC to see new episodes.

This separation exists because Disney Plus and Hulu serve different purposes within Disney's streaming portfolio. Disney Plus focuses on family-friendly, archive content from Disney's studios and franchises. Hulu carries current-season television shows, including ABC programming, as part of a broader entertainment library. Dancing with the Stars falls into that current-TV category, which is why it lives on Hulu rather than Disney Plus.

Key Takeaways

  • Dancing with the Stars airs on ABC and streams on Hulu, not on Disney Plus, even though Disney owns both services.
  • Disney Plus is designed for family content and archive material, while Hulu carries current-season television shows from ABC and other networks.
  • You can watch new episodes on Hulu with a standard subscription, or live on ABC if you have cable or an antenna.
  • Some past seasons of Dancing with the Stars may be available through other platforms or for purchase, but not through Disney Plus.

How Disney's streaming services divide their content

Disney owns three major streaming services in the United States: Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus. Each one carries different types of content based on what Disney acquired the rights to show on that platform. Disney Plus holds theatrical releases, original Disney series, and back-catalog material from Disney's film and television studios. Hulu carries current-season broadcast and cable shows, including everything that airs on ABC, FX, and other networks under Disney ownership.

Dancing with the Stars is an ABC show, which means it falls under Hulu's domain for streaming rights. The show has aired on ABC since 2005, and when Disney built Hulu as its streaming home for current television, that is where the show's streaming license went. This is the same reason you will find other ABC shows like Grey's Anatomy, The Bachelor, and Shark Tank on Hulu rather than Disney Plus.

Where to watch Dancing with the Stars instead

The primary way to watch new episodes is through Hulu. If you already subscribe to Disney Plus, you can add Hulu to your account. Disney offers a bundle that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus together at a lower price than buying them separately. Episodes typically appear on Hulu the day after they air on ABC, though some may be available the same night depending on your subscription tier.

You can also watch new episodes live on ABC if you have cable, a satellite subscription, or a digital antenna. ABC is a broadcast network, so it is available over the air in most areas without a paid subscription. If you want to watch past seasons, some may be available through other platforms like Amazon Prime Video (where you can purchase individual episodes or seasons) or through ABC.com if you log in with cable credentials.

The difference between Disney Plus and Hulu's content strategy

Disney Plus launched in 2019 with a specific mission: to be a family-friendly streaming service built around Disney's owned intellectual property and archive content. The service does not carry advertising (unless you choose a lower-cost ad-supported tier), and it focuses on content that fits the Disney brand—animated films, Marvel movies, Star Wars shows, National Geographic documentaries, and original series made for the platform.

Hulu, which Disney acquired in 2019, operates differently. It is a general-entertainment streaming service that carries current-season television from ABC, FX, and other networks, plus original shows and films. Hulu includes advertising on most tiers, and it refreshes constantly with new episodes as they air on television. This is the natural home for a weekly competition show like Dancing with the Stars, which produces new episodes during its season and relies on the same audience that watches it on broadcast television.

Why the show moved between networks and platforms

Dancing with the Stars has had a complicated broadcast history. The show originally aired on ABC for 30 seasons, from 2005 to 2020. In 2021, it moved to Disney Plus for one season (season 30), which was a major shift. However, the show returned to ABC in 2022 (season 31) and has remained there since. When it came back to ABC, it also came back to Hulu for streaming, which is where it has stayed.

The brief move to Disney Plus was an experiment by Disney to drive subscriptions to that service. However, the show's audience—which includes many older viewers who prefer traditional television—did not follow it to the streaming-only format. The ratings dropped significantly, and Disney decided to return the show to ABC, where it could reach its core audience through broadcast television and stream on Hulu for those who prefer on-demand viewing.

What to do if you want to watch but do not have Hulu

If you have Disney Plus but not Hulu, you have several options. The simplest is to add Hulu to your account. Disney offers a bundle that costs less than buying the services separately—typically around $14.99 per month for Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus together with ads, or higher prices for ad-free tiers. You can also subscribe to Hulu alone if you only want that service.

Another option is to watch on ABC directly if you have cable, satellite, or an antenna. ABC is a broadcast network, so it is free over the air in most markets. You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play, though this costs more than a streaming subscription. Some cable providers also allow you to stream ABC content through their apps if you have an active cable subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Dancing with the Stars ever come back to Disney Plus?

It is unlikely. The show's move to Disney Plus in 2021 resulted in lower ratings, and Disney moved it back to ABC because that is where the audience watches it. The show will continue to stream on Hulu, which is Disney's designated platform for current-season television shows.

Can I watch old seasons of Dancing with the Stars on Disney Plus?

No. Past seasons are not available on Disney Plus. Some older seasons may be available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, or you may find clips on ABC.com, but Disney Plus does not carry the show's archive.

Do I need a separate subscription to Hulu if I have Disney Plus?

You can subscribe to Hulu separately, or you can add it to your Disney Plus account. Disney also offers a bundle that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus at a discounted rate, which is usually cheaper than paying for them individually.

Can I watch Dancing with the Stars live on ABC without cable?

Yes. ABC is a broadcast network, so you can watch it live with a digital antenna. You can also stream new episodes on Hulu the next day, or sometimes the same night depending on your subscription.