The Official Start Date For The Next Dancing With The Stars Season (And When The New Cast Is Announced)
The most pressing question for ballroom fanatics right now is when the dazzling spectacle of Dancing with the Stars will return to our screens. As of today, December 19, 2025, the highly anticipated official premiere date for the next season—expected to be Season 35—has not been formally announced by ABC or Disney+. However, fans can mark their calendars with a very strong prediction: following the show's decades-long tradition, the new season is overwhelmingly likely to begin in mid-September 2026.
The previous season, DWTS Season 34, just concluded its run on December 2, 2025, meaning the ballroom is currently dark, but the production gears are already turning for the next installment. This article breaks down the historical premiere patterns, the expected return of your favorite hosts and judges, and the most current timeline for the return of the iconic Mirrorball Trophy competition.
The DWTS Season 35 Premiere Date: A 2026 Prediction
While the official renewal for Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is still pending, the show’s immense popularity and consistent performance across both ABC and Disney+ make its return virtually guaranteed. The start date for the next season is highly predictable based on the show's established schedule over the past several years.
The most recent season, Season 34, premiered on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and concluded on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
The Expected Start Date for Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is:
- Expected Premiere: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 (or a date in the same week).
- Expected Network/Streamer: ABC and Disney+ (simulcast).
- Expected Time Slot: 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Historically, the show favors the second or third Tuesday of September to kick off its fall schedule, positioning the finale perfectly for the first or second week of December, just before the holiday season. The official confirmation from ABC usually arrives in the summer, typically in July or August, so fans should watch for announcements around that time in 2026.
The Latest on Hosts, Judges, and Returning Professionals
The heart of Dancing with the Stars lies in its charismatic on-screen talent, and fortunately, the core team is expected to remain intact for Season 35. Consistency in the judging panel and hosting duo provides the necessary foundation for the celebrity and professional dancer partnerships to thrive.
The Expected Judges’ Panel
The trio of permanent judges who have become synonymous with the show's scoring and critique are all expected to return. Their unique perspectives—from technical precision to emotional performance—are essential to the competition.
- Carrie Ann Inaba: The resident expert on lifts, catches, and general performance, Inaba has been a staple since the show's debut. Her critiques focus heavily on the emotional connection and flow of the routine.
- Derek Hough: A six-time Mirrorball champion, Hough brings an unparalleled level of professional expertise and contemporary insight to the panel. His scores reflect technical difficulty and artistic execution.
- Bruno Tonioli: Known for his flamboyant commentary and infectious enthusiasm, Tonioli assesses the overall excitement, passion, and theatricality of the dances.
While guest judges are often brought in for special themed weeks, these three are anticipated to anchor the panel for the entirety of Season 35.
The Hosts: A Dynamic Duo
The partnership between the hosts, who manage the live show's energy and the elimination process, has been a major success point for the show's recent seasons. Both are expected to return.
- Alfonso Ribeiro: The Season 19 Mirrorball winner, Ribeiro brings his own experience and high energy to the main hosting role.
- Julianne Hough: A two-time professional champion, Hough transitioned from judge to co-host, offering an experienced and empathetic voice in the skybox and backstage.
Returning Professional Dancers
The professional dancers are the backbone of the entire series, transforming celebrities into ballroom contenders. While the full lineup is never confirmed until closer to the premiere, fan-favorites and established champions are highly likely to return for Season 35. These pros are essential to the show's topical authority and appeal.
Expected returning professionals include:
- Val Chmerkovskiy
- Jenna Johnson
- Alan Bersten
- Britt Stewart
- Other seasoned pros like Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, and Brandon Armstrong are also highly probable returnees.
The Season 35 Cast: Rumors and Official Announcements Timeline
The single biggest factor driving fan curiosity is always the celebrity cast list. The official announcement of the celebrity-pro pairings is a carefully orchestrated media event, and the timeline for Season 35 (2026) is expected to follow the same pattern as previous seasons.
When Will the Cast Be Revealed?
The official cast announcement for Dancing with the Stars typically takes place approximately two to three weeks before the season premiere. Given the expected September 2026 start date, fans should anticipate the official reveal during the first week of September 2026, usually on ABC's Good Morning America (GMA).
This timeline allows for the stars to have a few weeks of intensive training with their professional partners before the live show begins. The secrecy surrounding the cast is a major part of the pre-season excitement.
Potential Celebrity Entities and Rumors
The rumor mill for Season 35 is already buzzing, with names ranging from Olympic athletes to reality TV stars and actors. The show’s casting directors are always looking for a diverse and buzzworthy group that generates significant media attention. Celebrities who have recently expressed interest or are frequently rumored include:
- Simu Liu: The Marvel star has previously joked about joining the show.
- Taylor and Tay Lautner: The celebrity couple has been a topic of discussion for a potential joint appearance.
- Current Reality TV Personalities: Stars from shows like The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Vanderpump Rules, or Selling Sunset are almost always included to draw in a younger demographic.
- Olympic Athletes: Following the tradition of Apolo Ohno and Simone Biles, a prominent athlete from the 2026 Winter Olympics is a strong possibility.
The mix of major movie stars, viral sensations, and sports legends is what keeps the competition fresh and the audience engaged, providing plenty of LSI keywords and topical authority for the series.
How to Watch the Next Season of DWTS
The series continues its dual-platform broadcast strategy, ensuring that both traditional television viewers and streaming enthusiasts can tune in every week.
- Live Broadcast: New episodes of Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will air live on ABC every Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
- Live Streaming: The show will also be simulcast live on the streaming service Disney+. This was a major change in recent years and has proven successful in expanding the show's reach.
- On-Demand: Episodes will be available to stream the following day on Hulu for those who miss the live broadcast.
The transition to Disney+ for live viewing has made the show more accessible than ever, cementing its place in the modern television landscape. Fans should prepare for a full season of spectacular routines, from the classic Waltz and Foxtrot to the fiery Paso Doble and Samba, all culminating in the crowning of the Season 35 Mirrorball champion in early December 2026.
Detail Author:
- Name : Prof. Rodger Emard I
- Username : stehr.lonzo
- Email : idamore@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 2002-04-13
- Address : 48075 Jessy Common South Norma, WI 25540-1613
- Phone : +1 (608) 891-3601
- Company : Bergnaum, Kemmer and DuBuque
- Job : Nuclear Equipment Operation Technician
- Bio : Et autem nihil quo minus ut. Consectetur natus et at reiciendis. Voluptatem tempore dicta sunt. Necessitatibus ducimus iste sint praesentium unde qui.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/wardj
- username : wardj
- bio : Beatae assumenda pariatur consequatur nihil quaerat. Molestiae dolore nostrum nihil voluptate excepturi in et quo.
- followers : 5676
- following : 1246
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/julien_ward
- username : julien_ward
- bio : Fugiat non quae voluptas voluptas omnis.
- followers : 4103
- following : 1725
