Spoiler-Free Thoughts
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars was a wild ride. Packed with heart, surprising talent, and high stakes. On one hand, the cast was full of interesting personalities and underdogs, and the pros delivered show-stopping routines; on the other, the judging was sharper than ever, leading to controversy and intense fan debate.
My personal favorite celebrity contestants were definitely Alix Earle and Robert Irwin. Both brought charisma, growth, and emotional depth to the ballroom. As for the professional dancers, I stayed firmly cheering for Mark Ballas, Alan Bersten, Ezra Sosa, Daniella Karagach AND most of all Val Chmerkovskiy.
If you like dance that blends entertainment, transformation, and real growth, this season gives you a lot to appreciate, even if the judging sometimes made the ride bumpy.
Review & Thoughts
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson’s Championship Run: 21-year-old Robert Irwin is a wildlife conservationist. He carries on a family legacy. He delivered outstanding performances week after week. His efforts culminated in a finale performance that won him the Mirrorball Trophy. Their quickstep was impressive. The freestyle was captivating. Finally, the cha-cha in the final night convinced both judges and voters that Irwin and Carson deserved the win.
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy’s Consistent Strength: Alix’s season-long arc was compelling. By the finale, she and Val nailed every routine. They earned perfect scores. They proved how far someone can grow from their first dance to the final showdown. Even if they didn’t take home the trophy, their journey was one of the most impressive transformations this season.
Pro Dancer Spotlight: The pros showcased their exceptional skills. Notable performers included Mark Ballas, Alan Bersten, Ezra Sosa, Daniella Karagach, and Val Chmerkovskiy. They demonstrated why they’re among the best. Their choreography added color to the competition. Lifting celebrity partners elevated the performances. Their skill in making each dance tell a story provided emotional weight.
High Drama & Entertainment Value: This season didn’t hold back. There were themed nights, like “Prince Night,” referencing the show’s legacy. The final rounds were intense with three dances: judges’ choice, instant dance, and freestyle. This structure created stakes and momentum.
Critique Culture — Necessary but Tough: I understand why some fans don’t love judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s criticism. Honestly, critiques are part of the package. If celebs never get real feedback, there’s less room for growth. This season showed how a harsh comment can motivate dancers. A score that feels like “tough love” can also stir up fan frustration. I think there’s value in balanced feedback, both praise and push.
Audience/Scoreline Tension: Some dances earned perfect scores, yet public reaction, especially when judging got stricter, was divided. In the finale, Carrie Ann tried to raise a critique after a dance from Robert Irwin. The crowd booed loudly. It shows just how emotionally invested fans are, but also how complex “fair judging + fan expectations” can be.
Inconsistent Reactions to Vulnerability or Risk: Some contestants showed heart, vulnerability, or a unique style. They seemed to get overlooked compared to “safe” crowd-pleasers. In a show where growth matters, I wish there had been more consistency. Risk-taking and emotional honesty should have been rewarded more clearly.
Final Verdict & Reflection
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars wasn’t perfect but it was alive. It delivered big emotional arcs, incredible dance moments, and compelling stories of transformation. For me, the highlights (Robert Irwin, Alix Earle, and the pros I mentioned) made it worth staying tuned.
Would I watch another season? Absolutely. I’m here for it as long as the show keeps evolving. It should challenge celebs to push boundaries. It must also balance fun with real dance growth.
Your Thoughts
If you watched Season 34: what hit you the hardest? Was it a dance, a story arc, or the growth of a particular dancer?
If you were casting your “dream final four,” who would you pick? Which pro partnerships would you want to see return? Or would you like to see some shake things up?
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