The upcoming 35th season of "Dancing With the Stars" is gearing up for a spectacular return, following a remarkably successful previous season. After celebrating its 20th anniversary and witnessing record-breaking viewer engagement, the show is poised to captivate audiences once again. The previous season, which crowned Robert Irwin and Alix Earle as champions, demonstrated the program's enduring appeal and cultural significance, with a significant surge in viewership. This continued momentum ensures that fans can anticipate another season filled with dazzling performances and fierce competition.

This season introduces a fresh lineup of celebrities, promising a diverse mix of talent from various fields. From acclaimed actors to prominent figures in reality television, sports, and music, the cast is designed to bring a wide array of personalities and dance capabilities to the ballroom. Accompanying these new stars, the familiar and beloved trio of judges and hosts will return, ensuring continuity and the expert critique that viewers have come to expect. The blend of new faces and seasoned veterans aims to deliver an exciting and memorable experience for all.

The Anticipated Return of “Dancing With the Stars”

The 35th season of the popular dance competition, “Dancing With the Stars,” is set to light up screens with a two-night premiere on September 15th and 16th. Following a critically acclaimed and highly-rated 34th season, which marked the show’s 20th anniversary and garnered its highest viewership in five years, expectations are soaring. The previous season’s success, driven by finalists like Robert Irwin and Alix Earle, showcased the show’s continued ability to attract a broad audience and maintain its cultural relevance, demonstrating a strong foundation for the upcoming installment.

The announcement of the new season took place during Hulu’s “Get Real” event, where co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough highlighted the program’s impressive resurgence. They emphasized the record-breaking votes received by the season 34 finalists, underscoring the fervent viewer engagement. The production is committed to delivering an energized show while retaining the core elements that fans cherish, promising an exceptional blend of tradition and renewed vibrancy. This commitment reflects a strategic approach to maintain the show’s appeal and build upon its recent triumphs.

Introducing the Stars and Season Veterans

This season’s celebrity lineup is packed with notable personalities from across the entertainment spectrum. Among the confirmed contestants are acclaimed actors such as Harry Shum Jr. from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Julia Stiles of “10 Things I Hate About You,” and Tatyana Ali from “Fresh Prince,” alongside dancer Jenna Dewan. Reality television will be well-represented by stars like Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Tyler Cameron, Conner Leavitt, and Sarah Jane Nader. The roster also includes unique talents such as Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” personality Guillermo Rodriguez, musician Taylor Hanson, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, podcaster Connor Wood, and Olympians Ezra Frech and Amber Glenn, promising a diverse and competitive field.

The show’s familiar and beloved hosting duo, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, will return to guide the competition, having successfully steered the show since Season 32. The judging panel will also feature the return of long-standing experts: Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, who have been with the series since its 2005 inception, and Derek Hough, who transitioned from a celebrated professional dancer to a judge in 2020. Derek Hough shared his excitement, noting that this season feels particularly “energized” due to the “incredible cast” and the renewed vigor of the professional dancers, all contributing to a dynamic and captivating viewing experience for fans.