Dancing with the Stars streams on Disney Plus, but only certain seasons and episodes
Dancing with the Stars is available on Disney Plus, though not the full current season as it airs on ABC. Disney Plus carries past seasons in their entirety—typically seasons that finished airing one to two years ago. New episodes of the current season air live on ABC on Monday nights, and those episodes usually appear on Disney Plus the next day, but only for the most recent season actively broadcasting.
The exact seasons available shift as new seasons premiere and older ones cycle off the platform. If you want to watch a specific season, search the Disney Plus app directly to see whether it is currently there. The platform updates its Dancing with the Stars library several times a year as seasons conclude.
Key Takeaways
- Current-season episodes appear on Disney Plus the day after they air live on ABC Monday nights, but only for that active season.
- Past seasons (usually one to two years old) are available in full on Disney Plus, though which seasons are available changes over time.
- To watch the live Monday broadcast, you need ABC through cable, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service like Hulu with Live TV or YouTube TV.
- Disney Plus does not stream the live broadcast itself—only the next-day episodes and archived seasons.
When new episodes appear on Disney Plus after airing on ABC
New episodes of the current season air live on ABC every Monday night during the broadcast season (typically September through November, with a winter season running January through March). These episodes become available on Disney Plus the following day, usually by morning.
This next-day window applies only to the season currently airing. Once a season ends, it may stay on Disney Plus for several months or longer, depending on licensing agreements. When a new season begins the following year, older seasons sometimes move off the platform to make room, though many remain available.
How to find past seasons on Disney Plus
Open the Disney Plus app on your device and use the search function to look for "Dancing with the Stars." The app will show you which seasons are currently available. You can browse by season number or scroll through the full list of episodes. Past seasons typically include all episodes from that season in order.
If a season you want to watch is not showing up, it may have cycled off the platform. Check back in a few months, as Disney Plus rotates content regularly. You can also look for the season on other platforms—ABC.com sometimes offers recent seasons, and some seasons are available for purchase on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
Watching the live Monday broadcast on ABC
If you want to watch Dancing with the Stars live as it airs, you will need to tune in to ABC on Monday nights. You can do this through cable or a broadcast antenna if you have one. If you do not have cable, several live TV streaming services carry ABC, including Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV. Each service costs between $35 and $75 per month and requires a subscription.
Check which service is available in your area before signing up, as coverage varies by region. Most of these services offer a free trial period, so you can test the service before committing to a full month.
The difference between live broadcast and next-day streaming
The live Monday broadcast on ABC includes real-time voting, audience reactions, and the when ready reveal of scores and eliminations. When you watch the next day on Disney Plus, the outcome is already known, so there is no suspense around who goes home that week. Some viewers prefer the live experience for this reason.
The next-day Disney Plus version is identical in content—same dances, same judges' comments, same performances—but without the live voting element. If you do not mind knowing the results beforehand, waiting for Disney Plus is a straightforward way to watch without paying for a live TV service.
Checking your Disney Plus subscription for access
Dancing with the Stars is included with a standard Disney Plus subscription at no extra cost. You do not need a premium tier or add-on. If you already subscribe to Disney Plus, you can search for and watch the show when ready.
If you do not yet have Disney Plus, you can sign up through the Disney Plus website or app. The service offers a monthly plan and an annual plan, with pricing that varies by region. Some people bundle Disney Plus with Hulu and ESPN Plus for a lower combined price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the live Monday episode on Disney Plus the same night it airs?
No. New episodes appear on Disney Plus the following day, usually by morning. To watch live, you need to tune in to ABC on Monday night through cable, an antenna, or a live TV streaming service.
Are all past seasons of Dancing with the Stars on Disney Plus?
No. Disney Plus carries a rotating selection of past seasons, typically one to two years old. Older seasons may have cycled off the platform. Search the app to see which seasons are currently available in your region.
Do I need a separate subscription to watch Dancing with the Stars on Disney Plus?
No. The show is included with your standard Disney Plus subscription. You do not need to pay extra or upgrade your plan.
What if I want to watch a season that is not on Disney Plus?
Some past seasons are available on ABC.com, or you can purchase them on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Availability varies by season and region.
Can I watch Dancing with the Stars on Hulu instead of Disney Plus?
Current-season episodes may be available on Hulu with Live TV if you watch during the live broadcast window. Check your Hulu app for availability, as it depends on your subscription tier and region.