The competition series will return this fall on ABC.
Check if this show is available on Amazon Prime Video. Free trial may be available.
ABC is doubling down on one of its most enduring unscripted hits. Dancing with the Stars has been renewed for Season 35, with the long-running competition series set to return during the 2026-2027 broadcast season. Alongside the renewal, the network has also announced a brand-new spinoff, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, signaling a broader expansion of the franchise.
The renewal comes as little surprise given the show’s continued relevance across both traditional broadcast and streaming. In recent seasons, Dancing with the Stars has successfully adapted to shifting viewing habits by simulcasting on Disney+, allowing it to reach a wider and younger audience while maintaining its core network base on ABC. This hybrid approach has helped sustain the show’s longevity, keeping it competitive in an increasingly fragmented entertainment landscape.
As the series heads into its 35th season, early casting announcements have already begun to generate buzz. Reality TV personalities Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller are confirmed as the first celebrity contestants, with the full lineup expected to be revealed closer to the premiere. The gradual rollout of casting details has become a standard promotional strategy for the show, helping to maintain audience interest in the months leading up to its return.
The continued success of Dancing with the Stars reflects a broader trend within television, where established reality formats remain a cornerstone of network programming. Unlike scripted series, which often face shorter lifespans due to rising production costs and shifting viewer tastes, competition shows can evolve season to season while retaining their core structure. This flexibility allows them to remain relevant over long periods, particularly when supported by strong branding and cross-platform distribution.
ABC’s decision to launch Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro further underscores the franchise’s strength. Rather than simply extending the main series, the network is building an ecosystem around it – an increasingly common strategy in both broadcast and streaming. By developing complementary content, networks can deepen audience engagement while introducing new talent into the franchise pipeline.
Set to premiere this summer, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro will air on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with episodes available the following day on Hulu. The competition will focus on 12 aspiring professional dancers who will live together and compete through a series of challenges designed to test their skill, versatility, and stage presence. The ultimate prize is a coveted spot as a professional dancer on Season 35 of the main series.
Hosting duties for the spinoff will be handled by Robert Irwin, who previously won the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 34. His involvement adds a layer of continuity to the franchise while also appealing to a younger demographic. The judging panel will include Mark Ballas, a three-time Mirrorball champion, alongside Shirley Ballas, widely known as “The Queen of Latin.” Additional returning professionals from the main series will appear as rotating mentors and guest judges, though further details are expected at a later date.
The concept behind The Next Pro represents a natural evolution for the franchise. By focusing on the professional dancers rather than celebrity contestants, the spinoff offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to succeed within the Dancing with the Stars universe. It also creates a built-in narrative bridge between seasons, giving viewers a reason to stay engaged even when the flagship series is off the air.
For viewers, the dual announcements mean more content and a deeper connection to the franchise. Season 35 will continue the tradition of pairing celebrities with professional dancers in a weekly elimination format, while the new spinoff adds an additional layer of competition and storytelling. Together, they position Dancing with the Stars not just as a long-running show, but as a multi-platform brand.
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro premieres July 13, 2026 on ABC, with streaming availability on Hulu the following day. Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars is set to return in fall 2026, simulcasting on ABC and Disney+.
Every New & Returning TV Show Premiering In 2026
Track every TV series releasing in 2026, across broadcast, streaming and cable – updated daily by TVEndDates.
Upgrade your setup with Fire TV Cube - fast 4K streaming, hands-free Alexa, and easy control of your TV and connected devices.
Cancel/Renewed Shows Live Tracker
RENEWED
RENEWED
CANCELLED
RENEWED
RENEWED
ENDING
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
Every New & Returning TV Show Premiering In 2026
Track every TV series releasing in 2026, across broadcast, streaming and cable - updated daily by TVEndDates.
