October 30, 2026

From viral choreography to record breaking viewership, Dancing with the Stars has returned for its 35th season with a new group of celebrities who are competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. 

Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, the competition is also back with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. The season premiered on Sept. 15 and 16, introducing 16 celebrities including actors, athletes, musicians, reality TV personalities, and social media stars. Each celebrity is paired with a professional ballroom dancer and must learn and perform new choreography every week. After performing their weekly choreography, celebrities obtain  votes from viewers.. The combination of judges’ scores and audience votes determine who gets eliminated, which means that contestants must demonstrate both dancing ability, showmanship, and popularity. 

This season has many popular celebrities from different fields, including actors Julia Stiles and Harry Shum Jr., Olympic athletes Amber Glenn and Ezra Frech, and even Savannah Bananas baseball player Jackson Olsen. With contestants coming from different professional backgrounds and levels of dance experience, the competition remains unpredictable as the celebrities adjust to the demands of ballroom dancing. 

One of the show's defining features is its themed episodes, which give each week a different atmosphere. The show also brings personal stories to the ballroom connecting fans to celebrate iconic moments in pop culture. For example on Dedication Night, Julia Stiles, known for her role in 10 Things I Hate About You, paid tribute to her co-star, Heath Ledger, who passed away in 2008 by performing a dance to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” the song featured in one of the movie’s most memorable scenes. She also brought out the cast of the film at the end, turning the performance into a nostalgic tribute. Moments like these make Dancing with the Stars more than just a dance competition, but rather a fun way to watch emotional and fun dances to the songs you know and love. 

As the season progresses and the fewer people will be in competition, the higher the stakes will become. While only one couple can ultimately win the Mirrorball Trophy, the appeal of Dancing with the Stars lies in watching celebrities step outside of their comfort zones and take on something new. For viewers who enjoy a little friendly competition full of excitement and impressive choreography, Dancing with the Stars provides fun weekly entertainment to add to your nights!