Current Broadcast Start Time and Network
Dancing with the Stars typically airs on ABC in California at 8:00 PM Eastern Time, which translates to 5:00 PM Pacific Time. The show is broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with the exact start time occasionally shifting for special two-hour episodes or holiday broadcasts. The current season airs on Wednesday nights, and viewers in California can watch the live broadcast on ABC or stream it immediately afterward on Hulu. For the official schedule and any last-minute changes, check the ABC official website.
The live broadcast is the primary method for California viewers to watch the show as it airs. The 5:00 PM Pacific start time allows for a live viewing experience before the late-night replay. Streaming on Hulu usually becomes available immediately after the live broadcast ends. The show is produced by BBC Studios and Marks Group, with the American Broadcasting Company handling the U.S. network distribution.
How to Watch Dancing with the Stars in California
California viewers can watch Dancing with the Stars live on the ABC broadcast network at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. The show is available on major cable and satellite providers including Spectrum, Xfinity, and DirecTV. For cord-cutters, the live stream is accessible through the Hulu + Live TV plan, which includes the ABC channel in its lineup. The official Hulu streaming service also provides on-demand access shortly after the live airing.
The streaming option via Hulu is the most common alternative for viewers who do not have traditional cable. The Hulu + Live TV package includes the ABC live channel, allowing California subscribers to watch the show at its scheduled 5:00 PM Pacific start time. The service also offers a DVR feature to record episodes for later viewing. The Hulu + Live TV plan includes dozens of live channels beyond just ABC.
Season Schedule and Episode Format
The current season of Dancing with the Stars follows a standard weekly format with live performances, judge critiques, and viewer voting. Each episode typically runs for two hours, including commercials, starting at the 5:00 PM Pacific Time slot. The season generally runs from mid-September through November, with a finale that determines the champion based on a combination of judge scores and public votes. The Forbes coverage often details the show's ratings and cultural impact during the season run.
The show features a rotating cast of professional dancers paired with celebrity contestants from various fields, including entertainment, sports, and public service. The scoring system uses a 30-point scale from the panel of judges, with the public vote counting equally in the final results. The production is filmed at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, which is also the venue for the annual Academy Awards ceremony. The SEC filings for Disney, the parent company of ABC, provide financial details on the show's performance within the network's entertainment division.