Dancing with the Stars is back for its 33rd season with fresh faces, new storylines, and exciting changes. Premiering on Tuesday, Sept. 17 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC and Disney+, this season promises captivating performances and rivalries as celebrities from diverse fields take the stage alongside their professional dance partners.
The addition of Chandler Kinney, known for her role in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, and Ilona Maher, an Olympic rugby player, adds depth to the cast, showcasing both youth and athletic prowess. However, the buzz around Anna Delvey may be the season’s most intriguing element. Having gained notoriety for her elaborate schemes chronicled in Netflix’s Inventing Anna, Delvey will have a rare chance to present herself in a new, more personal light. Whether audiences will view her as an underdog or villain remains to be seen, but the spotlight on her character development will surely be a unique narrative.
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In past seasons, Dancing with the Stars has excelled at bringing forth personal journeys. This season looks to be no different, with each contestant expected to grow both on and off the dance floor. Athletes like Stephen Nedoroscik, a gymnast fresh off a bronze-medal win in Paris 2024, and Dwight Howard, known for his explosiveness on the basketball court, will face the challenge of adapting their physicality to the graceful demands of ballroom dancing. On the flip side, contestants such as Eric Roberts and Tori Spelling bring a wealth of on-screen experience that will likely translate well into storytelling through dance.
Phaedra Parks, a lawyer and reality TV personality, promises to bring her no-nonsense attitude, while Reginald VelJohnson of Family Matters will no doubt carry a nostalgic charm. Brooks Nader, a model known for her appearances in Sports Illustrated, and Jenn Tran from The Bachelorette round out the cast, offering diversity in both experience and talent.
Overall, the electric mix of competitors, each bringing something unique to the ballroom, will undoubtedly keep audiences entertained. Whether it’s witnessing how professional athletes adapt to a new competitive arena or watching internet-famous personalities like Ilona Maher evolve on-screen, season 33 of Dancing with the Stars looks poised to offer a compelling blend of skill, emotion, and drama. You can catch the premiere on ABC and Disney+ on September 17, with episodes available on Hulu the following day.
