Dancing With the Stars is gearing up for its highly anticipated Season 35, with the complete celebrity cast set to be revealed on Good Morning America on September 2, 2026. Fans are buzzing with excitement as four contestants have already been confirmed ahead of the two-night premiere.
Why it matters: The upcoming season marks a strategic shift in casting, leaning heavily into viral and reality TV fame to attract younger audiences.
ABC will announce the full lineup of celebrities and their professional partners on Good Morning America on September 2, 2026.
The show aims to captivate a younger demographic by featuring stars from popular reality shows and social media.
The confirmed contestants represent diverse backgrounds, including reality TV, sports, and late-night comedy.
Driving the news: The excitement surrounding the cast reveal is intensifying as the premiere date approaches.
The two-night premiere is scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2026, at 8 PM ET on ABC.
Episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu and Disney+.
The reveal on September 2 will come just two weeks before the competition kicks off.
Confirmed contestants: Four celebrity participants have already been locked in for this season.
Ciara Miller, known for her role in Bravo’s Summer House, is one of the confirmed stars.
Maura Higgins, recognized from Love Island UK and The Traitors, has also secured her spot.
Guillermo Rodriguez, a well-known personality from Jimmy Kimmel Live!, will compete alongside professional dancer Witney Carson.
Jackson Olson, a player with the viral Savannah Bananas, rounds out the list of confirmed contestants.
What they’re saying: The casting decisions have sparked discussions about the show's direction.
Industry insiders suggest the lineup reflects a savvy business move by Disney to engage younger viewers.
Olson, who has over 2 million TikTok followers, is seen as a strategic choice for cross-promotion.
“The mix says a lot about where the show is heading,” said an entertainment analyst, emphasizing the trend toward social media-centric casting.
State of play: The show maintains its familiar structure with returning hosts and judges.
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return as hosts, bringing their unique flair to the competition.
The judging panel will include Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, ensuring continuity from previous seasons.
Witney Carson, a former Mirrorball Trophy winner, is set to partner with Guillermo Rodriguez, adding excitement to their pairing.
The big picture: Season 35 aims to build on the success of its predecessor.
Last season's social media-driven casting helped boost viewer engagement, and this trend continues into Season 35.
The show has evolved to include contestants from various entertainment sectors, promising a dynamic competition.
Fans can expect a larger celebrity cast and fresh partnerships, with surprises still to come.
What's next: Fans eagerly await the complete cast announcement.
The full lineup will be unveiled on September 2, providing clarity on the remaining contestants and their professional partners.
As anticipation builds, viewers are encouraged to mark their calendars for the two-night premiere.
With the return of familiar faces and new stars, Season 35 promises to deliver thrilling performances and unexpected moments.
As the countdown to the big reveal continues, fans are left speculating about the dynamics between the celebrity competitors and their professional dancers. The excitement is tangible as the show prepares to take center stage once again.