Dancing with the Stars is not on Disney Plus, but it streams on Hulu
Dancing with the Stars moved to Hulu in 2022 and remains there as the primary streaming home for new episodes. If you have a Disney Plus subscription, you do not automatically get Hulu access — you need either a separate Hulu subscription or a bundle that includes both services. The show airs new episodes during its fall and spring seasons, with episodes available to stream the day after they broadcast on ABC.
Disney owns both Disney Plus and Hulu, but they operate as separate services with different content libraries. A Disney Plus subscription alone will not let you watch Dancing with the Stars. You can add Hulu to your account, or switch to a bundle that combines Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus at a lower combined price than buying them separately.
Key Takeaways
- New episodes of Dancing with the Stars stream on Hulu the day after they air on ABC, not on Disney Plus.
- Disney Plus and Hulu are separate services, so you need a Hulu subscription or a Disney bundle to watch the show.
- The Disney Bundle combines Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus at a lower monthly cost than buying each service individually.
- Past seasons of Dancing with the Stars are available on Hulu, so you can catch up on earlier episodes if you have access.
How to get Hulu if you already have Disney Plus
If you already pay for Disney Plus, you have two options: add Hulu as a separate subscription to your account, or upgrade to the Disney Bundle. Adding Hulu alone costs less per month than the bundle, but the bundle saves money if you also want ESPN Plus or plan to use Hulu regularly. You can manage both subscriptions through your Disney account.
To add Hulu, log into your Disney Plus account, go to Account Settings, and look for the option to add another service. You can choose between Hulu with ads or Hulu without ads, which affects the monthly cost. The process takes a few minutes and your Hulu access starts when ready.
What the Disney Bundle includes
The Disney Bundle pairs Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus in one subscription. This bundle costs less per month than paying for each service separately. The exact savings depend on whether you choose Hulu with ads or without ads, since that changes the bundle price.
If you watch sports, news, or live events, ESPN Plus adds value because it streams games and original sports content. If you mainly want Disney Plus and Hulu, you can still buy them separately and skip ESPN Plus. The bundle is worth comparing to your actual usage before you switch.
When new episodes air and how to watch them
Dancing with the Stars typically airs in the fall (September through November) and spring (March through May), though the schedule shifts year to year. New episodes broadcast on ABC on Monday nights, and they appear on Hulu the next day. This means you do not have to watch live — you can stream the episode whenever you want within the next 24 hours.
If you want to watch live, you can tune in to ABC at the scheduled time, or you can wait until the next morning and stream it on Hulu without commercials if you have the ad-free plan. Either way, Hulu is where the show lives for streaming viewers.
Watching past seasons on Hulu
Hulu keeps past seasons of Dancing with the Stars available in its library, so you can watch earlier competitions if you are new to the show. The exact number of seasons available can change, but typically several years of past episodes are there. This is useful if you want to catch up on a favorite dancer's earlier performances or watch a season you missed.
You can browse past seasons directly in the Hulu app or website by searching for the show. Episodes are organized by season, so you can start with Season 1 or jump to whichever season interests you. Watching past seasons counts toward your Hulu viewing and does not require any additional payment.
Other ways to watch if you do not have Hulu
If you do not want to subscribe to Hulu, you can watch new episodes on ABC when they air live on Monday nights. ABC is a free broadcast channel available through cable, an antenna, or streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, or Sling TV. These live TV services cost more than standard Hulu but include access to many channels plus on-demand content.
Some episodes may also be available for purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Google Play the day after they air, though this costs per episode rather than being included in a subscription. Check these platforms directly to see current pricing and availability, as it varies by season and region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Dancing with the Stars on Disney Plus?
No. Dancing with the Stars streams exclusively on Hulu, not on Disney Plus. You need a Hulu subscription or the Disney Bundle to watch new episodes. Disney Plus and Hulu are separate services even though the same company owns both.
Do I have to watch live on ABC or can I stream it later?
You can stream it later. New episodes appear on Hulu the day after they air on ABC. You do not have to watch live unless you prefer to, and streaming on Hulu works whether you have the ad-supported or ad-free plan.
How much does it cost to add Hulu to my Disney Plus account?
Adding Hulu as a separate subscription costs less than the Disney Bundle, but the exact price depends on whether you choose Hulu with ads or without ads. The bundle price is lower than buying all three services separately. Check Disney's website for current pricing in your region, as costs vary.
Can I watch old seasons of Dancing with the Stars on Hulu?
Yes. Hulu keeps past seasons available in its library, so you can watch earlier competitions and catch up on seasons you missed. The number of seasons available can change, but typically several years of episodes are there.
What if I only have cable or an antenna?
You can watch new episodes live on ABC when they air on Monday nights. ABC is a free broadcast channel available through cable or an over-the-air antenna. Episodes do not stay on ABC's website for long, so streaming on Hulu is the better option if you cannot watch live.