Dancing with the Stars Lights Up 20th Anniversary Celebration Tonight

Get ready to cha-cha-cha down memory lane! Tonight marks a huge milestone for Dancing With The Stars with its 20th-anniversary bash, bringing back a beloved host and dazzling performances, even as some fans face streaming hurdles.

TL;DR: The Quick Steps You Need to Know

• The Dancing with the Stars 20th Anniversary episode airs tonight, November 11, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
• Original host Tom Bergeron returns as a guest judge, marking his first time back in the ballroom since 2020.
• YouTube TV subscribers are still impacted by a contract dispute with Disney; alternative streaming options are available, some with free trials.

Imagine this: it's a Tuesday night, you're settled in, snacks at the ready, eager to see your favorite celebrities glide across the ballroom floor. But then, a familiar disappointment hits – the show isn't there. For many Dancing with the Stars (Dwts) fans relying on YouTube TV, this has been an unwelcome reality since late October 2025. Yet, despite these streaming hiccups, the show must go on, and tonight's episode isn't just any episode; it’s a glittering, sequin-studded celebration two decades in the making.

A Star-Studded Celebration Two Decades in the Making is Here

Can you believe it’s been 20 years since the DWTS journey began back in 2005? Tonight’s Season 34, Episode 9, dubbed "20th Birthday Party Night," promises a spectacular trip down memory lane. And guess who’s making a grand return to the judging panel? None other than original host Tom Bergeron! It’s his first time back in the ballroom since he stepped away in July 2020, and fans are buzzing. Source: [ABC Press Release, via Disney.com]

The night kicks off with a special opening number choreographed by the incomparable judge Derek Hough, featuring not only the current pros and troupe but also six original Season 1 professional dancers: Alec Mazo, Ashly DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jorgensen, and Edyta Śliwińska. Beyond the glitz, there will also be a poignant tribute performance, choreographed and performed by current pros Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold, honoring the DWTS performers we’ve lost. Source: [ABC Press Release, via Disney.com]

Navigating the Glitches and Blackouts: Where to Watch DWTS Tonight

While the party is in full swing, a significant number of viewers might be scrambling for a viewing platform. The ongoing contract dispute between YouTube TV and Disney has meant that Disney-owned channels, including ABC, have been unavailable on YouTube TV since October 30, 2025. This issue started impacting Dancing with the Stars specifically from the November 4 episode onward. Source: [USA TODAY, "How to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' live without YouTube TV," November 9, 2025].

The YouTube TV Conundrum and Customer Compensation Efforts

Disney claims it offered YouTube TV a deal on November 7 that would cost "less overall than the terms of our recently expired license," according to a note shared with employees. However, YouTube TV, owned by Google, countered by accusing Disney of proposing "costly economic terms that would raise prices on YouTube TV customers and give our customers fewer choices." Source: [USA TODAY, "How to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' live without YouTube TV," November 9, 2025].

As a gesture, YouTube TV has issued $20 credits to its affected subscribers. While this helps offset the inconvenience, it doesn't resolve the immediate need to watch tonight’s anniversary special. This situation highlights the evolving challenges of content licensing in the streaming era, where viewers are sometimes caught in the middle of corporate negotiations.

Your Go-To Streaming Alternatives (with Free Trial Options!)

Fear not, dance aficionados! Even if YouTube TV isn't an option, you still have several ways to catch the live action tonight, November 11, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT:

• Disney+ Live Stream: If you already subscribe to Disney+, you can stream the episode live there. Immediately after airing, it's also available on demand. Plan options range from $11.99/month with ads to $18.99/month without. Source: [ComingSoon.net, "DWTS: How You Could Watch Dancing with the Stars Live Without YouTube TV," November 11, 2025].
• ABC Television: The most straightforward option, if you have traditional cable or an antenna, is simply tuning into your local ABC affiliate.
• DIRECTV Stream: This service offers a 5-day free trial, including ABC. After the trial, base plans start as low as $49.99/month, or $39.99/month for a "MyNews" genre pack with fewer channels. Source: ["dancing with the stars" week 9: what to know, November 11, 2025]. You could also potentially get $40 off your first month if you continue. Source: [syracuse.com, "Where to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' live and on demand for free," November 11, 2025].
• Fubo: Another strong contender with a 5-day free trial. If you stick with it, Fubo's packages start at $79.99/month for Pro, with Elite and Premier options. They even offer $30 off your first month. Source: [cleveland.com, "How to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' for free today," November 11, 2025].
• Sling TV: A more budget-friendly option, the "Select" plan (which includes ABC) starts at $19.99/month. You can also find daily, weekend, week, monthly, or season passes, with a monthly pass costing $45.99 but offering 50% off the first month. Source: [cleveland.com, "How to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' for free today," November 11, 2025].
• Hulu: While not live for the current episode, new episodes are available for next-day streaming on Hulu. An ad-supported plan costs $11.99/month, or ad-free for $18.99/month. Source: [ComingSoon.net, "DWTS: How You Could Watch Dancing with the Stars Live Without YouTube TV," November 11, 2025].

A Quick Counterpoint: Streaming Isn't Always Perfect. It's worth noting that even with these alternatives, some viewers encountered issues. During the November 4 "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night" episode, many fans reported Disney+ crashing, leading to significant frustration. Users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed anger, with one stating, "You take your networks off @YouTubeTV and make me watch @officialdwts on @DisneyPlus just for the app to CRASH half way though !!! I am seething @Disney @ABC!!!!" Source: [Newsweek, "'Dancing With The Stars' Fans Fume Over Apparent Disney+ Glitch," November 8, 2025]. So, while Disney+ is a primary alternative, it hasn't been without its own technical hiccups.

Another consideration is cost. While free trials offer a temporary solution, committing to a new streaming service after the trial period can add up, potentially negating the savings some viewers sought by cutting cable in the first place. The tradeoff is access versus budget, and it's something every fan needs to weigh.

The Dance Floor is Set: What to Expect from the 20th Anniversary Night

Tonight's focus is squarely on iconic routines. Each of the seven remaining celebrity contestants will perform an individual dance inspired by an iconic freestyle performance from the show's past 33 seasons. Imagine seeing a new take on classic moves! Later in the evening, six of the seven stars (Whitney Leavitt earned immunity for having the highest cumulative scores) will participate in a relay dance. This is where it gets really interesting: they’ll swap their current professional partners for past Mirrorball champions. Source: ["dancing with the stars" week 9: what to know, November 11, 2025].

Here’s who’s still dazzling us and their inspirations for tonight:

• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovsky: Foxtrot to “Singin’ in the Rain” (inspired by Nev Schulman)
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: Argentine tango to “Ain’t No Sunshine” (inspired by Milo Manheim)
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: Cha cha to “Get Up” (inspired by Wayne Brady)
• Andy Richter & Emma Slater: Quickstep to “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (inspired by Jordan Fisher)
• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: Salsa to “It Takes Two” (inspired by Mario Lopez)
• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: Foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” (inspired by Bindi Irwin)
• Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: Argentine tango to “Cell Block Tango” (inspired by Gabby Windey)

For the relay dances, stars will pair with past champions like Joey Graziadei (Season 33), Rumer Willis (Season 20), and Apolo Anton Ohno (Season 4), performing either a jive, quickstep, or Viennese waltz. It's a fantastic way to honor the show's rich history while keeping the competition fresh. Source: ["dancing with the stars" week 9: what to know, November 11, 2025].

Example: Imagine a long-time fan, Sarah, usually relying on YouTube TV, now finds herself signing up for a Fubo free trial just minutes before the show. She's buzzing with anticipation not just for the dances, but for Tom Bergeron's return, a comforting presence from the show's early days. The slight panic of the blackout gives way to excitement as the opening number begins, confirming her decision was worth it.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Mirrorball Trophy

The current Season 34 is co-hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough serving as the returning judges. Their scores, combined with viewer votes, ultimately decide which couple takes home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Last season's champions were Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson. Source: [syracuse.com, "Where to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' live and on demand for free," November 11, 2025].

The competition is heating up, with only seven couples remaining after Danielle Fishel's elimination last week. We're also looking forward to a "Prince Night" on November 18, leading up to the Season 34 finale on November 25, which promises a special 3-hour broadcast without a specific theme, allowing the final contenders to truly shine. Source: [decider.com, "What Time Is Dancing with the Stars on Tonight (November 11)?", November 11, 2025].

Practical Takeaways for Every DWTS Fan

• Check Your Live Options: If you're a YouTube TV subscriber, explore DIRECTV Stream, Fubo, or Sling TV for tonight's live broadcast on ABC.
• Utilize Free Trials Wisely: Take advantage of 5-day free trials from services like DIRECTV Stream or Fubo to watch the anniversary special without immediate commitment.
• Disney+ is Your Direct Alternative: If you have Disney+, you can watch live and on-demand, though be aware of past reported technical issues.
• Plan for Next-Day Viewing: For those who can't watch live, Hulu and ABC.com will have Episode 9 available for streaming on Wednesday, November 12.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official DWTS and streaming service announcements for updates on the YouTube TV dispute and future episode schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tonight's DWTS Episode

Q: What time does the Dancing with the Stars 20th Anniversary episode air tonight, November 11, 2025? A: It airs live at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.

Q: Can I watch tonight's DWTS episode on YouTube TV? A: No, due to an ongoing contract dispute between YouTube TV and Disney (which owns ABC), Disney channels are currently unavailable on YouTube TV.

Q: Where can I stream Dancing with the Stars live tonight without cable? A: You can stream it live on Disney+ with a subscription, or through live TV streaming services like DIRECTV Stream, Fubo, and Sling TV, many of which offer free trials.

Q: When will the DWTS Season 34 finale air? A: The Season 34 finale is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Sources

• ABC Press Release (via Disney.com)
• "dancing with the stars" week 9: what to know (November 11, 2025)
• syracuse.com - "Where to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' live and on demand for free" (Madison Kemeny, November 11, 2025)
• ComingSoon.net - "DWTS: How You Could Watch Dancing with the Stars Live Without YouTube TV" (November 11, 2025)
• USA TODAY - "How to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' live without YouTube TV" (Melina Khan, November 9, 2025)
• decider.com - "What Time Is Dancing with the Stars on Tonight (November 11)?" (November 11, 2025)
• Us Weekly - "Everything to Know About 'DWTS' Season 34: Celebs, New Pros and More" (November 11, 2025)
• cleveland.com - "How to watch 'Dancing with the Stars' for free today" (Abby L'Bert, November 11, 2025)
• Newsweek - "'Dancing With The Stars' Fans Fume Over Apparent Disney+ Glitch" (Megan Cartwright, November 8, 2025)
• Red94 - "How to watch DWTS live: Stream Season 34 on Disney+, ABC, 8pm ET Tuesdays" (Daniel Harris, November 11, 2025)