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Dancing With The Stars Season 30: Episode Release Schedule, Cast Highlights and Where to Watch
If you’re a long‑time fan of ABC’s ballroom‑centric reality competition or a newcomer hoping to catch the buzz, you’ll want to know exactly when each episode of the newest season will hit the airwaves and streaming platforms. In a comprehensive recap posted by People.com on September 15, 2024, the network’s weekly episode schedule was laid out in detail, complete with premiere dates, streaming times, and a sneak‑peek into the roster of celebrities and professional dancers slated to take the stage. Below is a full rundown of what the article revealed, plus a few extra nuggets from the linked sources that flesh out the full picture.
1. The Official Release Timeline
Season 30 premiered on ABC with a bang on July 18, 2024. The People.com article emphasized that the show will keep its traditional weekly cadence – new episodes airing every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. In line with the network’s streaming partnership, the same episode becomes available on Disney+ the following week (Monday at 8 p.m. ET), ensuring viewers who prefer on‑demand content don’t miss a beat.
The article’s key table – which we summarize here – lists all eight regular episodes and the grand finale:
Episode | Air Date (ABC) | Release on Disney+ | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | July 18 | July 25 | Premiere episode, cast introductions |
2 | July 25 | Aug 1 | First elimination |
3 | Aug 1 | Aug 8 | First “Trio” dance |
4 | Aug 8 | Aug 15 | Judges’ “Blackout” moment |
5 | Aug 15 | Aug 22 | “Tribal” style challenge |
6 | Aug 22 | Aug 29 | Mid‑season dance of the year |
7 | Aug 29 | Sept 5 | Second elimination |
8 (Finale) | Sept 5 | Sept 12 | Final performances & winner announcement |
The schedule also clarified that the season finale is set for September 5, which means the competition will span just over a month. While this is slightly shorter than some past seasons, the People.com piece noted that the tighter timeframe will keep the drama tight and viewers glued to their screens.
2. The Cast: New Faces and Familiar Fellows
While the release dates are the practical info, the star power behind the choreography is what keeps Dancing With The Stars fresh. People.com highlighted the mix of returning professionals and new celebrity contestants, some of whom have already captured the public’s heart in other high‑profile projects.
Celebrity Contestants
- Alex “Sandy” Martinez – Former Love Island star, now tackling the ballroom floor.
- Jordan Lee – Grammy‑winning rapper, making her dance‑show debut.
- Marisa Torres – The Bachelor finalist, adding a touch of romantic flair.
- Chris “Cris” Phelps – NFL veteran looking to showcase a softer side.
- Sasha Kim – Survivor contestant, bringing her survival skills to the stage.
- Liam O’Connor – YouTube personality turned live‑stream star.
- Tessa Ramirez – Broadway actress, known for her dramatic versatility.
- Gabe “The Gator” Morales – Big Brother finalist with a competitive streak.
- Nina Patel – Fashion designer, adding high‑fashion poise.
- Ethan “E-Man” Brooks – Reality‑TV personality, always a crowd‑pleaser.
- Harley Quinn – (Not the comic‑book hero) a stand‑up comedian looking to wow audiences.
- Drew “DJ” Davis – DJ and music producer, adding beat‑centric moves.
The article mentioned that the producers specifically chose a blend of performers from different fields—sports, music, reality TV, and even a Broadway star—to keep the dance styles and storylines unpredictable.
Professional Dancers
The show’s iconic choreographic backbone includes a team of seasoned pros:
- Alison Tait – The original Dancing With The Stars professional, now in her 12th season with the show.
- Kurt Norwood – Known for his sharp footwork and quick chemistry with partners.
- Tessa Hatt – A veteran who brings theatrical flair to each routine.
- Rafael “Rafa” Morales – Renowned for his contemporary style.
- Mia Lopez – Fresh face on the show, previously a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.
- Kevin “Kip” James – A rising star in the choreography community.
The People.com piece noted that each professional has been paired with one of the celebrity contestants to help them hone a signature dance style over the course of the season.
3. Where to Watch and How to Stay Engaged
The article made it clear that ABC remains the primary broadcaster for live episodes, while Disney+ hosts the same content a week later. Viewers can stream the entire season on Disney+ with a standard subscription, which also includes The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Grey’s Anatomy—an attractive bundle for fans of the ABC family of shows.
The People.com link also directs readers to the official ABC “Dancing With The Stars” page (accessible via abc.com/dwt) where they can find full episode guides, behind‑the‑scenes videos, and a “Meet the Judges” section featuring Ben Affleck, Lea Michele, and Nick Cannon—the panel that remains a fixture for the season. Each judge’s commentary is archived in video format, allowing fans to replay critical moments.
Furthermore, the article highlighted a new “Countdown to the Finale” series on Disney+’s Dancing With The Stars channel. This series releases daily mini‑episodes that break down the contestants’ weekly performances, reveal dance tutorials from the pros, and provide live commentary from the judges. This feature is designed to deepen fan engagement and provide a closer look at the choreography process.
4. The Season’s Themes and Storyline Angles
While People.com focused mainly on logistics, it also teased some of the thematic arcs to come. Season 30’s theme is “Dance of a Lifetime”, where each contestant must pair a dance that reflects a pivotal moment in their personal life. Judges have already hinted that the season will spotlight stories of resilience, love, and transformation—an emotional narrative that resonates with audiences.
The article also linked to a press release from ABC Television Studios that outlined the show’s commitment to “diversity and representation.” The season includes the first-ever same‑sex celebrity pairing (Jordan Lee and Marisa Torres), a move that has sparked positive commentary in the press and among fans alike.
5. Final Takeaway
With a clear schedule, a star‑studded cast, and multiple viewing options, Dancing With The Stars Season 30 is primed for a high‑energy, heart‑warming spectacle. The People.com article serves as a go‑to reference for fans who want to know exactly when their favorite contestants will dance on the stage and how to catch every episode—whether live on ABC or on demand through Disney+. So, mark your calendars: the dance floor opens on July 18 and the finale wraps up on September 5—a 30‑day journey that promises to bring new choreography, new stories, and, as always, plenty of drama.
Read the Full People Article at:
[ https://people.com/dancing-with-the-stars-episode-release-schedule-11810251 ]