• Home
• Entertainment
• Val Chmerkovskiy Mulls Retirement as DWTS Hits 20‑Year Milestone

Val Chmerkovskiy Mulls Retirement as DWTS Hits 20‑Year Milestone

When Val Chmerkovskiy, a three‑time Mirrorball champion, hinted that retirement might be on the horizon, the ballroom buzzed with speculation.

The 39‑year‑old professional dancer, who is currently wrapping his 20th season on Dancing With the Stars, opened up on Danielle Fishel’s "Dancing With Danielle" podcast on September 30, 2025. In a candid moment that felt more like a hallway chat than a press conference, he admitted his thoughts have turned toward life beyond the glittering floor.

Two Decades of Spotlight

Chmerkovskiy first stepped onto the ABC‑produced stage in 2005, quickly becoming the show’s breakout star. Over twenty seasons he racked up three Mirrorball trophies, taught countless celebrities to glide, and turned the ballroom into a pop‑culture touchstone. Fans still remember his 2012 partnership with Mickey Guyton, where a flawless Viennese waltz earned a perfect score—an echo that still reverberates in today’s judging tables.

Back then, the studio’s lights were a promise of endless runway. Today, those same lights illuminate a different reality: the TV industry is hungry for fresh faces, and even a veteran like Chmerkovskiy feels the pull of that tide.

The Podcast Revelation

During the two‑hour conversation, Fishel asked the question that would set the week’s headlines: “What’s next for you after season 34?” Chmerkovskiy answered without hesitation, "This is my 20th season. I’m not delusional about the fact that my tenure on the show will eventually come to an end before the show does. And I want it that way." He went on to explain that the decision isn’t driven by injury or fatigue—though he does admit his hamstring has felt a little tighter after rehearsals—but by a sense of narrative completeness.

He added, "I think my life is better with the show around whether I’m on it or not. I’m a huge champion of this project." That line, repeated on social media by fans, captures the bittersweet loyalty that defines his relationship with the franchise.

Season 34: Scores, Tensions, and “TikTok Night”

Season 34 has been anything but quiet. On the September 30 episode—dubbed "TikTok Night"—Chmerkovskiy and his celebrity partner Alix Earle earned a 23/30 from the judges. "I’m still killing it," he quipped backstage, a phrase that sparked a flurry of memes.

Behind the glitz, however, insiders told the Daily Mail that the season feels "harder" than previous years. One source said, "There’s no magic this year, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why." Another whispered that Chmerkovskiy seemed "jealous" of other pros paired with contestants who exude a relentlessly positive attitude.

The rumor mill even suggested he would have loved to partner with Fishel herself—who is wrestling a torn hamstring but keeps dancing with a grin. "Danielle is likely the one who will go that far, and Val would have loved to be partnered with her," the source added.

While the scores remain respectable, the emotional temperature on the floor appears cooler than the usual summer heat.

Industry Perspective: Fresh Talent vs. Veteran Presence

ABC’s executive producer Kathy Lemmon told Variety in early October that the network is "always looking for a balance between seasoned pros and emerging choreography talent." She emphasized that Chmerkovskiy’s possible exit would open a slot for a younger dancer, but also noted that his brand brings a reliable audience segment that advertisers love.

Experts from the Dance Economy Institute, led by Dr. Marissa Feldman, argue that a veteran’s retirement can reshape the franchise’s bargaining power with talent agencies. "When a star like Val steps aside, the studio renegotiates contracts, which can lead to higher fees for the next generation," Feldman explained.

Fans, meanwhile, have taken to Twitter with hashtags like #ValStays and #EndOfAnEra, illustrating the cultural weight of his potential departure.

What Retirement Might Look Like for Chmerkovskiy

If the ballroom curtains close for Chmerkovskiy, several pathways are on the table. He could transition to a judging role—something he joked about during the podcast, saying, "I’d love to hand out mirrors instead of just dancing in front of them." Alternatively, a touring Broadway‑style show titled "Val’s Vault" is rumored to be in early development, aimed at bringing his choreography to live‑audience venues across the U.S.

There’s also the possibility of a behind‑the‑scenes gig: producing, choreographing for other reality competitions, or even mentoring up‑and‑coming pros through a new YouTube masterclass series. In a June 2024 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he hinted that "teaching is where my heart beats loudest now."

Regardless of the route, the dance world will likely feel the ripple for years. As one longtime fan wrote, "Val didn’t just teach steps; he taught confidence. Whoever picks up his shoes will inherit a legacy that’s bigger than any mirrorball."

Key Facts

• Val Chmerkovskiy has completed 20 seasons on Dancing With the Stars.
• He earned three Mirrorball trophies (2014, 2016, 2020).
• During Season 34’s TikTok Night, he scored 23/30 with partner Alix Earle.
• Podcast interview aired September 30, 2025 on "Dancing With Danielle".
• Potential retirement could lead to judging, touring shows, or a digital mentorship platform.