When Will DWTS Start? Your Guide To The Season 35 Premiere Date And 2026 Cast Rumors

The question on every fan's mind right now is simple: When will the ballroom doors reopen for a new season of dazzling routines and dramatic eliminations? As of today, December 18, 2025, the most recent season of Dancing with the Stars, Season 34, has officially concluded, meaning the wait for the next installment has already begun. While ABC has not yet made an official announcement for the show’s renewal, based on the series' decades-long history, the highly anticipated Season 35 is expected to premiere in the fall of 2026, likely following the show's traditional mid-September start time, bringing the glamour back to Tuesday nights.

This comprehensive guide will break down the expected schedule for the next chapter of the Emmy-winning competition, detail the likely hosts and judges, and, most importantly, list all the current and exciting celebrity cast rumors swirling for the 2026 season. If you're looking for the definitive answer on when you can next tune in, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming return of Dancing with the Stars.

The Expected Start Date: When to Mark Your Calendar for DWTS Season 35

For fans eagerly awaiting the next celebrity to take the Mirrorball Trophy, the most reliable answer to "when will DWTS start?" is to look at the show's consistent pattern. Historically, Dancing with the Stars has been a staple of the fall television season, and Season 35 is expected to follow this predictable schedule.

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• Expected Premiere Window: Mid-September 2026.
• Typical Air Day: Tuesday nights.
• Expected Time Slot: 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT.
• Network and Streaming: The show is expected to continue its simulcast on both ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.

The just-concluded Season 34 premiered on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and ran its course through late November/early December. While the official green light for Season 35 is still pending, the show's consistent ratings performance and dedicated fanbase make its renewal for a 2026 run highly probable. The official premiere date announcement typically arrives in the summer months (July or August) leading up to the fall schedule. Until then, mid-September remains the most reliable prediction for the next season's debut.

DWTS Season 35 Cast Rumors: 15+ Celebrities Who Could Hit the Ballroom in 2026

The most exciting part of the long wait between seasons is the speculation over which famous faces will trade red carpets for the rehearsal studio. The casting process for Dancing with the Stars is notoriously secretive, but a variety of celebrities, from A-list actors to social media sensations, have either publicly expressed interest, been rumored by insiders, or been the subject of massive fan campaigns. This list of potential contestants gives a fantastic look at the diverse entities being considered for the Season 35 cast lineup.

Actors and Entertainers

• Simu Liu (Actor): The Marvel star has openly discussed his desire to compete, making him a top-tier target for the casting team.
• Lisa Ann Walter (Actress/Comedian): Known for her role on the hit sitcom Abbott Elementary, she is a fan-favorite prediction due to her comedic timing and widespread appeal.
• Taylor Lautner (Actor): The Twilight star, along with his wife Tay Lautner, have been rumored as a potential duo or individual contestants, bringing a huge nostalgic fanbase.
• Nia Sioux (Dancer/Actress): A former star of Dance Moms, Nia Sioux has confirmed her interest after being mentioned in fan prediction videos, though her prior dance experience may make her a controversial pick.
• Trisha Paytas (Internet Personality): A major figure in the world of online content, her inclusion would guarantee massive social media buzz and viewership.

Athletes and Sports Figures

• Livvy Dunne (Gymnast/Influencer): The LSU gymnast and viral social media star is one of the most requested celebrities by the fanbase, with rumors swirling after she hinted at a potential appearance.
• Odell Beckham Jr. (NFL Player): The professional football star is a perennial rumor, as the show frequently seeks out high-profile athletes to compete.

Reality TV and Influencers

• Taylor Frankie Paul (Reality Star/Influencer): Known for her presence on TikTok and reality TV, she would bring a dedicated, younger audience to the show.

Family and Lifestyle Personalities

• Terri Irwin (Conservationist): Following her son Robert Irwin's successful run on a previous season, there is a strong fan and family push for the famous conservationist and widow of Steve Irwin to join the cast.
• Jen Affleck (Wife of Ben Affleck): As a high-profile celebrity spouse, her participation would draw immense public and tabloid attention.

The final cast announcement is typically a mix of these high-interest entities, often including a musician, a daytime talk show host, a political figure, and a veteran actor, ensuring a diverse array of personalities and fanbases for the season.

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The Judging Panel and Hosts: Who Will Return for the DWTS 2026 Season?

Consistency in the judging and hosting roles is a cornerstone of the Dancing with the Stars format. The show's recent seasons have established a strong, charismatic team that is highly expected to return for Season 35.

The Hosts

The dynamic duo of Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough is expected to return as the hosts for the 2026 season. Ribeiro, a former Mirrorball champion himself, brings a contestant's perspective and infectious energy, while Hough, a two-time champion and former judge, provides expert insight and a polished stage presence. Their chemistry has been well-received by fans, making their return highly probable.

The Judges

The current judging panel is a powerhouse of expertise and personality, and all three are anticipated to be back at the table for Season 35.

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• Carrie Ann Inaba: The resident judge of technique and lifts, Inaba is the longest-serving judge and the emotional anchor of the panel.
• Bruno Tonioli: Known for his flamboyant critiques and dramatic flair, Tonioli provides the international perspective and entertainment factor.
• Derek Hough: A six-time Mirrorball champion, Hough is the most decorated professional dancer in the show's history, offering technical mastery and contemporary judging.

With the passing of the beloved head judge Len Goodman, this trio has successfully maintained the show's critical standards and entertainment value, solidifying their roles for the foreseeable future. Their collective expertise in ballroom, Latin, and contemporary dance forms ensures a fair and lively critique each week.

How to Watch and Stream DWTS Season 35 in 2026

The viewing platform for Dancing with the Stars has evolved significantly in recent years, but the current dual-platform approach is expected to continue for Season 35, offering fans multiple ways to tune in. This strategy ensures the show reaches a wide audience across both traditional broadcast and modern streaming services.

• Live Broadcast: You can watch the show live every Tuesday night on ABC. This is the traditional way to view the show and participate in the real-time voting process.
• Live Streaming: The show is also simulcast live on Disney+. This option is perfect for cord-cutters or those who prefer to stream the show in real-time without a cable subscription.
• Next-Day Streaming: Episodes of Dancing with the Stars are available to stream the day after their live broadcast on Hulu. This is the best option for catching up on missed performances or re-watching your favorite dances.

Remember that fan voting is a crucial element of the competition, and the voting window is typically open only during the live broadcast of the show. If you want your vote to count, you must tune in live on ABC or Disney+ during the Tuesday night airtime.

Beyond the Premiere: The DWTS Live Tour 2026

The end of the main competition is not the end of the dancing. Following the conclusion of Season 34, the professional dancers and select celebrities will embark on the annual Dancing with the Stars Live Tour in early 2026. This tour provides an opportunity for fans across the country to see their favorite pros perform live in a variety of spectacular routines.

Details for the 2026 tour, including the full schedule and cities, are usually announced in late 2025. The tour typically runs from January through March, hitting major cities and featuring the professional dancers who make the show a success, such as Val Chmerkovskiy, Peta Murgatroyd, Emma Slater, and Brandon Armstrong. Keep an eye on official DWTS channels for ticketing information and the complete list of tour stops.