The highly anticipated Season 34 of “Dancing With the Stars” is set to premiere with both excitement and unexpected developments. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba announced her absence from the premiere due to illness, sharing on Instagram that she was “feeling quite under the weather.” In her stead, no replacement judge will be appointed for the night, with opening performances being scored out of 20 points, a departure from the typical 30-point scale. Inaba expressed her well wishes for the contestants and her eagerness to return the following week.

The diverse cast for Season 34 includes Hilaria Baldwin, Danielle Fishel, Alix Earle, Andy Richter, Elaine Hendrix, Jordan Chiles, Baron Davis, Dylan Efron, Corey Feldman, Scott Hoying, Robert Irwin, Lauren Jauregui, Jen Affleck, and Whitney Leavitt. Notably, Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt’s participation signifies a Disney crossover, as they are also cast members on Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” This reflects Disney’s strategy to expand its unscripted franchises, including placing another “Mormon Wives” star, Taylor Frankie Paul, in Season 22 of “The Bachelorette.” Furthermore, “Dancing With the Stars” is expanding its reach with an audio companion show hosted by Joey Graziadei, a former “Bachelor” lead and Season 34 winner with Jenna Johnson.

Ahead of the premiere, the Season 34 dance troupe was revealed, with one notable absence: Stephani Sosa, who was part of Season 33’s troupe. Her brother, pro dancer Ezra Sosa, shared an emotional social media post about their disappointment, highlighting the harsh realities professional dancers face in a competitive field, particularly for women. The incoming troupe members for Season 34 are Hailey Bills, Onye Stevenson, Carter Williams, and Jaxon Willard. Despite the initial sadness, Stephani shared a silver lining, revealing she was asked to participate in group numbers for the season and is pursuing a career in film and TV. Ezra Sosa, meanwhile, is gearing up for the season, paired with Olympian Jordan Chiles.

Another pre-season hiccup involved celebrity contestant Corey Feldman, whose temporary disappearance caused concern for his pro partner, Jenna Johnson. Johnson revealed on Instagram that she hadn’t seen Feldman since the cast announcement on Good Morning America, sparking a “tizzy of concern and confusion.” While Johnson tried to downplay the situation, the news of their eventual reunion became a headline. Feldman’s absence was attributed to prior work commitments and personal matters. This put them at a disadvantage, raising questions among fans about his commitment to the demanding ballroom dancing experience, which is a new venture for the former child star. Despite the initial challenges, Feldman expressed gratitude for Johnson’s expertise, acknowledging that his past dancing experience differed greatly from ballroom.

Celebrating its milestone 20th year, “Dancing With the Stars” aims for an unforgettable season. The show has seen significant growth, breaking multiple voting records and achieving its highest ratings in three years during a previous season. Showrunner Conrad Green attributes this to a new, younger audience engaging with the show, often influenced by social media platforms like TikTok. Executive producer and head of casting Deena Katz emphasizes the challenge of curating a diverse cast with “real enthusiasm,” noting that some celebrities, like Danielle Fishel, have been pursued for years. Katz also oversees the crucial pairing process between pros and celebrities, striving for unique and harmonious partnerships, avoiding antagonistic combinations for dramatic effect.

The show’s casting philosophy also navigates fan expectations and pro dancer dynamics. Emma Slater, for instance, has faced fan disappointment over being paired with less experienced dancers for consecutive seasons. Katz ensures fairness in pro pairings over time, stating, “I have to keep it fair, too. I can’t give one person the winner every time.” The show also experiences a constant refreshing of its pro cast, with dancers occasionally leaving for personal reasons or other opportunities, as seen with Sasha Farber’s absence this season. Mark Ballas, a popular pro, makes a significant return this season, paired with Whitney Leavitt, and is expected to be a strong contender.

For Season 34, the production has consciously steered clear of political or overtly controversial contestants. Conrad Green explained that the show aims to unify and celebrate shared enjoyment, rather than lean into divisive political subjects. Deena Katz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of providing a space for enjoyment without tension in the current climate. The show has a history of breaking barriers, with Jenna Johnson and JoJo Siwa forming the first female-female partnership in Season 30, and the possibility of a male-male duo in the future remains open if the right pairing emerges. Viewers can anticipate a significant 20th-anniversary celebration episode, featuring memorable elements, past celebrities, winners, and pros, honoring the show’s enduring legacy. “Dancing With the Stars” Season 34 premieres Tuesday, September 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.