The full celebrity cast for 'Dancing with the Stars' season 35 was officially announced on September 2 during a live segment on ABC's Good Morning America. The season premiere is scheduled for September 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with subsequent episodes available the following day on Hulu.
The returning judging panel includes Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, alongside co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro. The judging team will evaluate competitors alongside a new group of professional dancers, including returning pros Witney Carson and Sharna Burgess.
Core Facts
- Julia Stiles, Maura Higgins, and Guillermo Rodriguez are among the celebrities confirmed for season 35.
- The season debuts with a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, with weekly episodes to follow.
Celebrity Competitors and Their Pro Partners
The cast spans reality stars, athletes, child stars, and performers, aiming to appeal to both millennial and Gen Z audiences. Confirmed participants include:
- Guillermo Rodriguez (comedian, Jimmy Kimmel Live!) paired with Witney Carson
- Maura Higgins (television personality, The Traitors) competing with a pro partner to be announced
- Julia Stiles (actress, 10 Things I Hate About You) joining the lineup
- Taylor Hanson (musician, Hanson) returning for another season
- Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas star) confirmed earlier in May
- Ciara Miller (Summer House) and Tatyana Ali (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) also part of the cast
Show Context and Industry Trends
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars delivered the show’s highest ratings since 2016, according to Deadline. The series has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among younger viewers, with the accompanying DWTS tour drawing large crowds of college students and merchandise sales increasing. Ryan O'Dowd, president of unscripted at BBC Studios LA, noted the shift in audience demographics, stating that the tour now attracts thousands of college students compared to a decade ago when the primary audience was older adults.
The judging panel and co-hosts remain unchanged from season 34, maintaining continuity for returning viewers. The season’s premiere will air over two nights, a format introduced in recent years to build anticipation and engagement.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
Episodes will air weekly on ABC with next-day streaming availability on Hulu. The two-night premiere is exclusive to ABC and Disney+ before transitioning to the regular weekly schedule. The show continues to leverage its multi-platform distribution strategy to maximize accessibility for viewers.