Jennifer Affleck, Danielle Fishel, and Corey Feldman to Compete on Dancing with the Stars Season 34
In an exciting lineup for Dancing with the Stars Season 34, Jennifer Affleck, Danielle Fishel, and Corey Feldman are set to hit the ballroom floor, vying for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The star-studded cast, announced on September 3, 2025, during Good Morning America, brings a mix of reality TV flair, ’90s nostalgia, and Hollywood legacy to the ABC competition, premiering September 16, 2025.
The Competitors: A Diverse Trio Joins the Fray
Jennifer Affleck
Jennifer Affleck, known as the wife of Casey Affleck and sister-in-law to Ben Affleck, steps into the spotlight after her stint on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The 29-year-old TikTok star and reality TV personality has garnered attention for her role in the #MomTok drama, particularly her “swinger scandal” that fueled Hulu’s hit series. Paired with pro Ezra Sosa, Affleck aims to channel her social media energy into dance moves, with fans buzzing about her potential to bring youthful charisma. Her casting has sparked chatter on X, with posts like, “Jen Affleck on DWTS? From Mormon drama to Mirrorball—wild!”
Danielle Fishel
Danielle Fishel, beloved as Topanga from Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World, returns to TV screens at 44, partnered with pro Sasha Farber. Fresh off directing episodes of Lopez vs. Lopez and navigating a breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, Fishel’s resilience and fanbase make her a frontrunner. Her announcement thrilled Boy Meets World fans, with one Reddit thread saying, “Topanga dancing? I’m voting every week!” Fishel’s charm and storytelling skills could shine in emotional routines like the waltz or contemporary.
Corey Feldman
Corey Feldman, the 54-year-old Goonies and Stand by Me icon, joins with pro Britt Stewart, bringing his eclectic Hollywood history to the stage. Known for his ’80s fame, music career, and advocacy against child abuse in Hollywood, Feldman’s participation has sparked debate due to his controversial past, including recent allegations of scamming fans via NFT projects. X users are split, with some excited for his redemption arc and others skeptical, posting, “Corey Feldman on DWTS? This is either genius or a trainwreck.”
Season 34 Details: Premiere and Format
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premieres Monday, September 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, the season features 13 celebrities competing in weekly themed dances, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough scoring performances. Voting combines fan votes (via abc.com or text) with judges’ scores, eliminating one couple weekly until the finale awards the Mirrorball Trophy.
The full cast includes NFL star Danny Amendola, The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei, Olympians Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik, and more, promising a diverse competition. A special twist, teased by producers, may involve themed nights like “’90s Nostalgia” or “Social Media Stars,” potentially favoring Fishel and Affleck.
Background: Why These Stars?
The trio’s casting reflects DWTS’s strategy to blend viral fame, nostalgic appeal, and redemption stories. Affleck taps into the reality TV boom, with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives drawing 10 million Hulu viewers in its first week. Fishel’s Boy Meets World legacy and cancer journey resonate with millennials and Gen X, while Feldman’s controversial yet enduring fame draws curiosity, despite his polarizing NFT ventures.
Past seasons show DWTS thrives on such mixes—Season 32’s Xochitl Gomez won with youthful energy, while Season 33’s Charli D’Amelio leveraged TikTok fame. Experts predict Fishel’s storytelling and fanbase give her an edge, Affleck’s charisma could surprise, and Feldman’s success hinges on overcoming public skepticism.
Fan Reactions and Expert Takes
Social media is abuzz. X posts praise Fishel’s casting, with “Topanga deserves the Mirrorball!” trending, while Affleck’s inclusion sparks memes about her “swinging” into dance. Feldman’s participation draws skepticism, with one user joking, “Corey’s gonna dance like it’s 1985 or sell NFTs mid-rumba.” Reddit threads speculate Fishel could reach the semifinals, but Affleck and Feldman face early elimination risks without strong performances.
Dance analysts like Kristyn Burtt see Fishel as a “dark horse” for her emotional depth, while Affleck’s youth and Sosa’s choreography could shine in upbeat styles like jive. Feldman’s unpredictability is a wildcard, with Stewart’s experience key to keeping him competitive.
Impact on U.S. Audiences: Entertainment, Culture, and More
For American viewers, this season taps into nostalgia (Boy Meets World), modern reality TV (Mormon Wives), and Hollywood’s complex legacy (Feldman). It drives ABC’s $100 million ad revenue and boosts Disney+ subscriptions, impacting the $20 billion streaming market. Politically, Feldman’s advocacy may spark discussions on Hollywood reform, while Fishel’s cancer story aligns with healthcare awareness post-2024 elections. Lifestyle-wise, DWTS inspires dance fitness trends, with 15% of viewers trying classes. Technologically, fan voting via apps enhances engagement, and in sports, parallels to athletic competitions like gymnastics draw crossover fans.
Conclusion: A Season of Drama and Dance
Jennifer Affleck, Danielle Fishel, and Corey Feldman bring unique stories to Dancing with the Stars Season 34, premiering September 16, 2025. Affleck’s viral energy, Fishel’s nostalgic charm, and Feldman’s redemption bid promise a dynamic competition. As they vie for the Mirrorball, fans can expect emotional highs, viral moments, and fierce debates. Tune in on ABC or Disney+ to see who shines—and who stumbles—in the ballroom.
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