DWTS Season 35: 7 Shocking Predictions For The 2026 Cast And Premiere Date

The anticipation is already building for Dancing with the Stars Season 35, even as the confetti from the Season 34 finale is still settling. As of this Friday, December 12, 2025, there is no official word from ABC or Disney+ regarding a renewal, but the show's consistent performance has led to strong predictions for its return.

Following the traditional fall schedule, fans are already speculating about when the 35th season will hit the ballroom, who will compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, and which beloved professional dancers will return to choreograph the Latin and Ballroom dances. The next season promises to bring fresh talent, unexpected drama, and possibly a few format changes.

Dancing with the Stars Season 35: The Projected Timeline and Judges

The most pressing question for any fan is, "When will DWTS Season 35 premiere?" Based on the show's historical schedule, which consistently launches a new season in the fall, the projected release window is clear.

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The Expected Premiere Date

While the official announcement is still months away, industry insiders and pattern analysis suggest that Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will likely premiere in mid-September 2026. This aligns perfectly with the show’s decade-long tradition of dominating the fall television landscape on ABC and streaming concurrently on Disney+.

The Unchanged Judging Panel

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One element that is expected to remain consistent is the formidable judging panel. Fans can anticipate seeing the return of the trio who have become the heart of the critique: the insightful Carrie Ann Inaba, the technical master Derek Hough, and the energetic Bruno Tonioli. Their combined expertise in everything from the Viennese Waltz to the Argentine Tango ensures the standards remain high for the celebrity contestants.

The Hosting Dynamic

The current hosting team, which includes the charismatic Julianne Hough and the seasoned Alfonso Ribeiro, is expected to continue guiding the contestants and managing the live votes. Hough, a former pro dancer and judge, brings a unique perspective to the proceedings, while Ribeiro keeps the energy up on the ballroom floor.

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7 Shocking Predictions for the DWTS Season 35 Celebrity Cast and Format

The core excitement of every season lies in the reveal of the celebrity cast. Producers are always looking for a mix of athletes, reality stars, actors, and musical artists to create a dynamic competition. Here are 7 major predictions for the 2026 season, drawing on recent celebrity buzz and the show's history:

1. A Major Olympic Athlete Will Compete

Following the success of athletes like Jordan Chiles (a predicted finalist in Season 34), the show will likely secure a high-profile competitor from the 2026 Winter Olympics. A gold-medal-winning figure skater or snowboarder is always a top priority, offering both name recognition and natural grace.

2. The Return of Fan-Favorite Pro Dancers

The professional lineup is crucial. While the Season 34 roster included mainstays like Val Chmerkovskiy, Witney Carson, Daniella Karagach, and Alan Bersten, fans are always hoping for the return of legends. A major prediction is a special guest appearance or a full-time return from a former champion pro, such as Mark Ballas or Maksim Chmerkovskiy, to add extra star power to the choreography.

3. A Viral TikTok Star to Follow Alix Earle

The inclusion of social media personalities is a new tradition, proven by the immense fan support for contestants like Alix Earle in Season 34. Season 35 is predicted to feature another top-tier TikTok or YouTube creator, ensuring a massive younger audience tunes in via Disney+ to support their favorite digital celebrity.

4. A Major Format Change: The "Instant Dance" Challenge

The show is always looking to increase the pressure. Season 34 introduced intense finale rounds like the "Instant Dances" where couples must perform to a surprise song with little preparation. A prediction for Season 35 is that this high-stakes "Instant Dance" challenge will be moved earlier in the competition, perhaps as a mid-season elimination round, dramatically raising the stakes for the couples.

5. A Major Wildlife Conservationist Takes the Stage

Following the massive popularity and emotional journey of Robert Irwin (a predicted finalist for Season 34), the show may look to cast another member of a beloved celebrity family or a well-known personality from the world of wildlife or nature conservation. This type of casting brings a wholesome and dedicated fanbase.

6. More Focus on the DWTS Live Tour 2026

The show's producers have successfully integrated the DWTS Live Tour into the broadcast, even showcasing segments during the Season 34 finale. Expect Season 35 to feature even more cross-promotion, with special announcements about the tour and its guest co-hosts, such as Danielle Fishel or Andy Richter, during the live Tuesday night broadcasts.

7. A Surprise Reality TV Crossover Star

The show frequently pulls from popular reality TV franchises. While a star from a major show like *The Golden Bachelor* or *The Bachelorette* is always a possibility, a prediction for Season 35 is a contestant from a major streaming-only reality hit, bringing a fresh, younger, and highly engaged audience to the competition.

Building Topical Authority: The DWTS Ecosystem

To truly understand the future of DWTS, one must look at the entire ecosystem of the show. The competition is more than just the weekly performance; it involves a complex machine of professional dancers, judges, hosts, and a massive production crew committed to creating a spectacular show.

The Role of the Professional Dancers

The pros, including fan favorites like Gleb Savchenko, Pasha Pashkov, and the newer faces like Ezra Sosa and Jan Ravnik, are the backbone of the series. Their ability to teach complex routines—including the Foxtrot, Cha-Cha-Cha, Jive, and Paso Doble—under immense time pressure is what makes the show work. The Season 35 lineup will likely feature a mix of veterans and new talent, keeping the choreography fresh and exciting.

The Mirrorball Trophy and the Finale

The ultimate prize is the Mirrorball Trophy, a symbol of dedication and skill. The Season 35 finale is projected for late November or early December 2026, where the final couples will perform their high-stakes Freestyle routines. The winner will be determined by a combination of the judges' scores and the crucial audience votes, making the celebrity-pro partnership and their connection with the viewers the ultimate factor in securing the win.

While the official cast and premiere date for Dancing with the Stars Season 35 remain unconfirmed, the show's enduring popularity and the success of Season 34 guarantee that the ballroom will be open again in 2026. Fans should keep an eye on ABC and Disney+ for the official announcements, which typically occur in late summer.