The Official DWTS Season 35 Premiere Date: When Will Dancing With The Stars Start In 2026?
The question on every fan's mind right now is simple: When will Dancing with the Stars start its next season? As of today, December 25, 2025, the official premiere date for Season 35 has not yet been formally announced by ABC or Disney+, as the show has not been officially greenlit for a renewal. However, the beloved ballroom competition operates on one of the most predictable schedules in television, which allows for a highly confident prediction for the next installment.
Based on the consistent pattern of the last decade, fans can mark their calendars for a likely return in the middle of September 2026. The show typically reserves the Tuesday night slot for its fall run, so expect the Season 35 premiere to land on a Tuesday in mid-September 2026, with the full celebrity cast reveal happening just a few weeks prior.
Predicted Premiere Date and The DWTS Season 35 Schedule
While an official, network-confirmed date is the gold standard, the historical precedent of *Dancing with the Stars* provides a very narrow window for the Season 35 debut. The show follows a reliable fall cycle, with premieres almost always landing in the third or fourth week of September.
The Expected Season 35 Premiere Date
The most recent season, Season 34, premiered on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and concluded in early December. Following this established schedule, the most probable premiere date for the upcoming season is:
- Predicted Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 15 or 22, 2026
- Expected Time: 8:00 PM ET/PT
- Expected Network: ABC and Disney+ (simulcast)
The official confirmation and the highly anticipated celebrity cast announcement are usually released in late August or early September, just before the premiere. Until then, the mid-September 2026 date remains the best estimate for when the ballroom lights will shine again.
Where to Watch the Next Season of DWTS
The groundbreaking broadcast format that began in Season 33 is expected to continue for Season 35, ensuring maximum accessibility for all viewers.
- Live Broadcast: ABC and Disney+ (simulcast)
- Next-Day Streaming: Hulu
This dual-platform strategy has proved successful, allowing traditional television viewers to tune in on ABC while offering the live stream to a younger, streaming-focused audience on Disney+. Episodes are then available to stream the following day on Hulu, ensuring no one misses a dramatic tango or a perfect 10.
The Returning Faces: Hosts, Judges, and Pro Dancers for 2026
A major element of topical authority for *Dancing with the Stars* lies in the familiar faces who guide the celebrities through the competition. The show’s production team typically maintains continuity, making the return of the popular panel and hosting duo highly likely for Season 35.
The Judging Panel: A Trio of Expertise
The fan-favorite panel that presided over the last few seasons is expected to return to the judges' table, offering their expert critiques and scores.
- Carrie Ann Inaba: The resident expert on lifts, catches, and overall performance quality. Her critiques often focus on the emotional connection and technical details of the routine.
- Bruno Tonioli: The flamboyant and energetic judge, known for his dramatic commentary and enthusiastic praise. Bruno always brings the passion of the ballroom to life.
- Derek Hough: The six-time Mirrorball Champion and Emmy winner, who provides invaluable insight from a professional dancer’s perspective. His scores are often seen as the benchmark for technical excellence.
The Hosts: Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro
The dynamic duo that took over hosting duties in recent seasons is also anticipated to return for Season 35.
- Alfonso Ribeiro: Known for his infectious energy and his own history as a Mirrorball winner, Alfonso provides a fun and supportive presence on the main stage.
- Julianne Hough: A former DWTS professional dancer and judge, Julianne's experience gives her a unique rapport with the contestants and their pro partners. She typically handles the skybox interviews and backstage commentary.
DWTS Season 35 Cast Rumors and Predictions
The celebrity cast is the biggest secret held by the DWTS producers, with official announcements reserved for the final weeks leading up to the premiere. However, the rumor mill is already spinning with potential contestants for the 2026 season.
Casting for the show aims for a diverse mix of athletes, actors, reality stars, musicians, and social media influencers. While no one is confirmed, speculation is rampant in the fan communities. Past seasons have featured stars from all corners of the entertainment world, and Season 35 is expected to follow suit, possibly including a major sports figure, a breakout star from a popular streaming series, or a viral social media personality.
Professional dancers, who are the backbone of the show, are also generally announced closer to the premiere. Fan-favorite pros like Daniella Karagach, Alan Bersten, Britt Stewart, and Brandon Armstrong are all expected to be invited back, though their participation is confirmed only after the celebrity pairings are finalized.
Topical Authority: The DWTS Off-Season and LSI Keywords
For die-hard fans asking "when will dwts start," the off-season is filled with other ways to engage with the franchise, which builds topical authority around the show.
The DWTS Live Tour 2026
One of the most exciting events bridging the gap between Season 34 and the anticipated Season 35 is the DWTS Live Tour 2026. This tour typically features many of the professional dancers and fan-favorite celebrities from the most recent seasons, bringing the magic of the ballroom to cities across the country. The tour is a must-see for fans who want to experience the performances live and in person.
The DWTS Renewal Status
It is important to note that the show has not been officially renewed for Season 35. While a renewal is highly probable due to the show's strong ratings and cultural relevance, the official announcement is a crucial step. The show's production team uses the time between seasons to negotiate contracts, finalize the celebrity cast, and secure the Tuesday night time slot for the fall.
The consistent flow of *Dancing with the Stars* news—from the DWTS Live Tour to the eventual casting leaks and the final premiere announcement—keeps the show in the public consciousness year-round. While the official start date for Season 35 is still months away, the reliable mid-September 2026 prediction gives fans a solid date to look forward to for the return of the glitz, glamour, and grueling competition.
Detail Author:
- Name : Brendon Fritsch Sr.
- Username : chelsey.reinger
- Email : nglover@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 2004-11-24
- Address : 41718 Nathanael Club New Alftown, NV 78667-0954
- Phone : (352) 222-9773
- Company : Parisian Ltd
- Job : Food Batchmaker
- Bio : Aliquam tempora ut praesentium totam quidem. Sit aspernatur non tenetur qui aut reprehenderit molestias. Consequatur sunt impedit est minima.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/sanford1981
- username : sanford1981
- bio : Veritatis accusamus tempore voluptatem veritatis quia. Possimus totam ab nostrum similique. Facilis temporibus nam vel at quaerat est.
- followers : 4830
- following : 52
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/rogersanford
- username : rogersanford
- bio : Ut necessitatibus nulla voluptas quae.
- followers : 3585
- following : 1839
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/roger.sanford
- username : roger.sanford
- bio : Eius vel at quae. Ut sunt enim dolores aspernatur odio natus quod.
- followers : 3149
- following : 985
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@rogersanford
- username : rogersanford
- bio : Architecto accusantium non omnis incidunt reprehenderit excepturi mollitia.
- followers : 6244
- following : 47
