Dancing with the Stars Halloween Night: A Spooktacular Showdown and The Return of a Fan Favorite

Get ready for a night of spine-tingling routines and ghoulish glamour as "Dancing with the Stars" celebrates Halloween. This highly anticipated episode promises a blend of eerie makeovers, chilling choreography, and a brand-new "Dance Monster-thon" to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, alongside the return of a beloved former pro to the judges' table.

Quick Context

As Season 34 of "Dancing with the Stars" enters its eighth week, the competition is heating up. Nine couples remain after last week's "Wicked" Night elimination. The upcoming "Halloween Night" episode, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, is poised to be a highlight, immersing contestants and audiences in a festive, spooky atmosphere. This special themed night is a cherished tradition that injects fresh energy and creative challenges into the long-running series, pushing the boundaries of performance and costume design.

Introducing the "Dance Monster-thon"

Beyond their individual routines, all nine remaining couples will participate in a unique "Dance Monster-thon." This group challenge adds an unpredictable layer to the competition, demanding stamina and synchronized effort. Judges will progressively tap out couples one by one, with bonus points awarded based on endurance.

High Stakes: Week 8 of Season 34

This episode marks the eighth week of the 34th season, underscoring the enduring popularity of the program and the intense journey these couples have undertaken. With only nine pairs left, every performance carries significant weight as the coveted Mirrorball Trophy draws closer.

What You Need to Know

"Dancing with the Stars" Halloween Night is set to deliver exhilarating performances and introduce a unique competitive twist. Viewers can anticipate a diverse array of dance styles performed to iconic spooky tunes, alongside an innovative marathon challenge that will truly test every couple's mettle.

The Night's Chilling Choreography and Music

The nine couples will showcase their talents across various dance styles, including tango, Argentine tango, paso doble, contemporary, jazz, and Viennese waltz. The song choices for the night are particularly noteworthy, featuring a blend of classic eerie tracks and modern hits, such as Billie Eilish's "Bury a Friend," Green Day's "Brain Stew," and Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do." Celebrities like Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, Dylan Efron, Andy Richter, Elaine Hendrix, Jen Affleck, Danielle Fishel, and Jordan Chiles are all prepared to deliver memorable, themed performances with their professional partners.

The "Dance Monster-thon": How It Works

The "Dance Monster-thon" introduces a new dynamic where all couples dance simultaneously. They will first tackle a hustle to "Murder On The Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, followed by a Lindy Hop to "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)" by Fergie, Q-Tip and GoonRock. Judges will progressively eliminate couples, with bonus points awarded based on how long each pair remains on the floor. The last couple standing will be crowned the King and Queen of the "Dance Monster-thon," earning crucial points that will be added to their individual dance scores, significantly influencing the night's final leaderboard.

Cheryl Burke Returns as Guest Judge

Adding another layer of excitement, former "Dancing with the Stars" pro dancer and two-time Mirrorball Trophy champion, Cheryl Burke, will join the esteemed panel of Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba as a fourth guest judge. Her return brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective, having graced the ballroom as a competitor for 26 seasons. This marks a significant moment for fans who have followed her journey with the show.

For those eager to watch, "Halloween Night" on "Dancing with the Stars" will air live on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. MDT on ABC. It will also be available for live streaming on Disney+, with next-day viewing options on Hulu, ensuring fans won't miss a single spooky step.

Why This Matters

Themed episodes like "Halloween Night" are crucial for the continued success and evolution of "Dancing with the Stars." They not only inject creativity and spectacle into the routines but also significantly boost viewer engagement. The addition of a "Dance Monster-thon" highlights the show's commitment to innovation, keeping the format fresh and competitive, preventing stagnation, and challenging both the dancers and their strategies.

The return of a beloved former pro like Cheryl Burke as a guest judge significantly strengthens audience connection. It leverages nostalgia and provides a seasoned, insider perspective, enhancing the credibility and depth of the judging panel. This strategic move can lead to increased viewership as long-time fans tune in to see familiar faces in new roles. It also showcases a clear path for former contestants to remain involved with the series in meaningful capacities, further solidifying the "DWTS family" narrative.

Ultimately, these elements contribute to the broader appeal of reality television by demonstrating how shows can adapt and reinvent themselves to maintain relevance and impact in a competitive entertainment landscape. The blend of individual artistry, high-stakes group challenges, and a dynamic judging panel ensures that "Dancing with the Stars" remains a cultural touchstone that captivates a general audience year after year.

What Experts Are Saying

The show's alumni and veteran judges often offer insightful perspectives on the competitive dynamics and the judging process, shedding light on what it takes to succeed in the ballroom.

Cheryl Burke, returning as a guest judge for Halloween Night, has openly expressed her long-standing desire for a permanent judging role. She stated, "They are very well aware that I want that seat. It’s not that I just want it, I just know that I can contribute because I am an expert in ballroom dancing. I can say that with confidence." Burke also highlighted her experience from "Dance Moms," suggesting her direct, no-nonsense teaching methods indicate a potential for truly candid feedback, which could invigorate the judging panel.

Abby Lee Miller, another prominent figure from the dance world who previously served as a guest judge, offered a pragmatic view on scoring, asserting that a specific number doesn't always reflect the ultimate outcome. She explained, "It’s just a number on a piece of paper. If they’re having trouble with one of the celebrities and one of the big-time judges giving a low score, tell her to up the score with the house difference. It doesn’t matter as long as you have your winner." Miller’s perspective suggests a strategic approach to scoring, emphasizing the importance of establishing a clear front-runner throughout the competition rather than focusing solely on individual numerical scores.

Potential Impact & Future Outlook

The immediate impact of "Dancing with the Stars" Halloween Night is expected to be a surge in viewership and social media engagement. The combination of elaborate costumes, themed routines, and the novelty of the "Dance Monster-thon" creates significant buzz that attracts both loyal fans and casual viewers. The return of Cheryl Burke as a guest judge also adds to the event's drawing power, rekindling interest from those who followed her long tenure as a pro dancer.

In the long term, the success of innovative segments like the "Dance Monster-thon" could influence future seasons, potentially becoming a staple in themed nights or late-stage competitions. This willingness to evolve and introduce new competitive formats is crucial for the longevity of a reality series now in its 34th season. Furthermore, Burke's guest judging stint could serve as an audition for a more permanent role, signaling a potential shift in the judging panel composition down the line. The show continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt, blending nostalgic elements with fresh twists to keep its audience engaged and entertained for years to come.

As "Dancing with the Stars" embraces the spooky season, this Halloween Night promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of dance, drama, and delightful surprises. Tune in to witness the thrilling performances and see which couple will conquer the "Dance Monster-thon."