Dancing with the Stars returns for its highly anticipated 35th season on September 15 and 16, 2026, featuring a fresh lineup of celebrities ready to dazzle audiences.
Why it matters: The show continues to captivate fans with its blend of celebrity culture and dance competition. Following the success of its 20th anniversary season, Season 35 aims to maintain the momentum with a star-studded cast.
Season 34 was the highest-rated and most-watched season in 10 years, marking a notable milestone for the franchise.
The two-night premiere format is expected to engage viewers by featuring unique performances from male and female contestants.
Fans can vote for their favorite couples during live broadcasts, influencing the competition's outcomes.
Driving the news: The full cast list was unveiled earlier this month on Good Morning America, generating excitement among fans. Sixteen celebrities will compete, including Floridian Tyler Cameron, who gained fame as a contestant on The Bachelorette.
Other notable competitors include actress Julia Stiles, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, and singer Taylor Hanson, among others.
Each night will feature a double elimination, adding suspense to the competition.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will guide viewers through the performances, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough providing critiques.
State of play: The premiere kicks off with the male celebrities performing on September 15, followed by the female celebrities on September 16.
On Premiere Night One, male contestants will perform to a No. 1 song from the year they were born, with one male celebrity eliminated at the end of the night.
Premiere Night Two features female celebrities performing to a No. 1 song from their birth year, concluding with one female elimination.
This format ensures that each episode has high stakes, keeping viewers engaged throughout the two-night event.
The big picture: The return of Dancing with the Stars comes at a time when reality competition shows are gaining popularity, and the franchise aims to capitalize on this trend.
With its rich history and loyal fanbase, the show has become a staple of American television since its debut in 2005.
The introduction of new celebrity contestants each season keeps the format fresh and appealing to both new and returning viewers.
As the competition heats up, the quest for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will undoubtedly create memorable moments and fierce rivalries among contestants.
What they're saying: Fans and critics alike have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming season, eager to see how the new cast will fare.
“I can’t wait to see Tyler Cameron hit the dance floor. He’s got the personality and charm to make a splash,” said a longtime viewer.
Others are curious about how the judges will score the performances, especially with such a diverse group of competitors.
Social media buzz indicates that many fans are already strategizing their voting plans for the live shows.
By the numbers: Season 35 features a total of 16 celebrities paired with professional dancers.
Each episode will run for two hours, airing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET on both nights.
One male and one female contestant will be eliminated at the end of each premiere night, raising the stakes significantly.
Voting will be available through various platforms, allowing fans to engage with the show in real-time.
What's next: The excitement builds as fans prepare for the premiere week, with a focus on who will shine in the spotlight.
Viewers can tune in to watch the performances live on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
As the competition progresses, expect surprises, emotional moments, and perhaps some unexpected eliminations.
With Tyler Cameron and other stars ready to showcase their skills, the season promises to deliver entertainment and drama.