When Julianne Hough, co‑host of ABC’s live dance competition, teamed up with fellow host Alfonso Ribeiro to introduce the “Wicked Night” theme, Tuesday’s episode of Dancing with the Stars felt more like a Broadway spectacle than a reality‑show rehearsal. The episode aired at 8:00 PM ET/PT on October 21 2025, streaming simultaneously on Disney+ and later available on Hulu. Fans tuned in not just for the glitter‑covered routines but to see how the show would respond after a surprise non‑elimination twist the week before.
Celebrating Two Decades: The Anniversary Season
Season 34 marks the 20th anniversary of Dancing with the Stars, a fact the producers have woven into every episode. The milestone is underscored by a longer episode run—34 weeks instead of the usual 26—and a series of themed nights ranging from “Hollywood Glam” to the current “Wicked Night.” According to Nielsen, the anniversary launch on September 16 2025 pulled an average of 8.9 million live viewers, a modest bump over the previous season’s debut.
Week 6 – Wicked Night: What Went Down
“Wicked Night” tasked each celebrity‑pro pair to channel a villain from classic literature, film, or pop culture. Ilona Maher, paired with professional dancer Alan Bersten, embraced a sleek, modern Maleficent, while Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong performed a Joker‑inspired cha‑cha that earned a rare 9 from judge Derek Hough. The judges’ table buzzed with debate as the “Wicked” choreography pushed technical boundaries, especially when the duo nailed a double‑turn lift midway through the routine.
Audience reaction was immediate. Social‑media monitoring firm Brandwatch reported a 42 % spike in #DWTSWickedNight mentions within the first hour, with many viewers calling the night “the most theatrical yet.” The theme also sparked a modest wardrobe surge; online retailers noted a 17 % increase in sales of “villain‑inspired” costumes the following weekend.
The Twist That Shook Week 5
Just a week earlier, on October 14 2025, the show stunned everyone by announcing that no one would be sent home—a first in the series’ two‑decade run. Producer Jenna Dewan (not a primary entity, so left unmarked) explained in a backstage interview that the “no‑elimination” decision was a way to heighten drama for the upcoming anniversary specials. The gamble paid off in ratings: Week 5 averaged 9.3 million viewers, up 0.5 million from the previous episode.
With the safety net gone, Week 6 returned to the traditional elimination format. After the performances, the bottom two couples—Robert Irwin with partner Emma Slater (the latter not marked) and another pair—faced the judges’ vote. Ultimately, Irwin’s “nature‑lover” routine fell short, and he became the first celebrity eliminated under the new thematic pressure.
Key Contenders and Their Rankings
- Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten – currently in second place, narrowly trailing the leaders by 0.7 points.
- Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong – sitting comfortably in third, praised for their risk‑taking choreography.
- Robert Irwin & Emma Slader – eliminated after Week 6, despite a heartfelt “Jungle” medley.
Analyst Megan Liu of Entertainment Metrics noted, “The tight scoring this week shows how the themed nights are leveling the playing field. Technical skill still matters, but storytelling is now the decisive factor.”
How the Show Reaches Viewers: Broadcast and Streaming
The dual‑platform strategy—live on ABC and simultaneously on Disney+—has become a template for prime‑time reality shows. By offering a same‑day stream, the network captures cord‑cutters, while the next‑day availability on Hulu satisfies binge‑watchers. In the first month of the anniversary season, Disney+ reported 3.2 million unique viewers for the live broadcast alone.
Behind the Scenes: Promotion and Cast Reveal
The cast was first teased on Good Morning America on September 3 2025 at 7:00 AM ET. The lineup announcement featured a surprise early reveal of wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin at Hulu’s inaugural “Get Real!” event in Beverly Hills, California, back in April 2025. That early buzz helped the network secure a 12 % increase in pre‑season social engagement compared with the previous year.
To keep momentum, the producers dropped a promotional clip on August 18 2025 showing co‑hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro dancing to Technotronic’s “Pump Up the Jam.” The playful video trended on TikTok, amassing over 4.7 million views in 24 hours and further cementing the show’s cultural relevance.
What’s Next for the Anniversary Season?
With ten weeks left, the competition is heating up. The next themed night, slated for November 4 2025, will be “Hollywood Heist,” where couples must incorporate a cinematic robbery storyline into their choreography. Industry watchers predict that the scores will tighten even more, potentially setting up a dramatic finale on December 2 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the “Wicked Night” theme affect the contestants' scores?
Judges award higher marks for narrative cohesion and costume integration, so contestants who blend storytelling with technical skill—like Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten—tend to earn the biggest score jumps.
Why was there no elimination in Week 5?
Producers used the non‑elimination as a surprise hook for the anniversary celebration, aiming to boost week‑over‑week viewership and keep the competition tight as themed nights ramp up.
Who are the current front‑runners heading into the Hollywood Heist night?
As of Week 6, the leaderboard shows Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten in second place, Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong in third, while the top spot remains occupied by the season’s early‑season favorite, who has consistently scored above 9.5.
What impact does streaming on Disney+ have on the show’s ratings?
Streaming adds a substantial audience segment; Disney+ alone contributed 3.2 million live viewers in the first month, lifting the overall rating by roughly 0.4 points compared with seasons that aired only on broadcast.
How did Robert Irwin’s early cast announcement generate buzz?
Announcing Irwin at Hulu’s Get Real! event in Beverly Hills months before the full roster created a media ripple, driving a 12 % rise in pre‑season social engagement and attracting wildlife‑enthusiast audiences to the show.