Image Source: Good Morning America
The GMA DWTS announcement has fans counting down to the return of one of television’s most popular celebrity dance competitions. During an appearance on Good Morning America on Tuesday, Sept. 1, the hosts and judges of “Dancing With the Stars” offered an exciting preview of Season 35, including the premiere schedule, returning personalities and several early cast names.
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli are set to return to the judges’ panel. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will also be back as co-hosts, continuing the familiar lineup that has helped define the ABC series in recent seasons.
GMA DWTS Announcement Teases an Energized Season 35
Derek Hough said the upcoming season will feature the elements viewers already know and love, while bringing a renewed sense of momentum to the ballroom.
“You can expect what you know and love about ‘Dancing With the Stars’ but also an energized show,” Hough said during the Good Morning America interview. He added that the cast and professional dancers are bringing considerable enthusiasm to the new season.
Hough has a long history with the program. He first joined “Dancing With the Stars” as a professional dancer roughly two decades ago before moving into his current role as a judge in Season 29. Inaba and Tonioli, meanwhile, have served together on the judging panel throughout all 35 seasons.
Powerful Returning Lineup Leads the Ballroom Comeback
The returning judges bring a mix of technical expertise, performance experience and recognizable on-screen chemistry. Their reactions during live performances remain a major part of the show, from Inaba’s emotional critiques to Tonioli’s energetic commentary and Hough’s detailed dance analysis.
Ribeiro also shared his thoughts on what makes the series continue to connect with viewers. According to the longtime host, the “magic” often comes from the thoughtful pairings between celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
Those partnerships can shape the entire competition. A strong professional may help a newcomer gain confidence, while an unexpected celebrity-pro pairing can become one of the season’s biggest storylines.
Premiere Dates and Streaming Details Revealed
Season 35 of “Dancing With the Stars” will premiere with back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16. Both episodes will air at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC and Disney+.
Viewers who miss the live broadcasts will be able to stream each episode on Hulu the following day. The expanded schedule gives fans an early opportunity to meet the new contestants, watch the first performances and begin following the season’s most promising dancers.
- Season 35 premieres Tuesday, Sept. 15.
- A second episode airs Wednesday, Sept. 16.
- Both episodes begin at 8 p.m. ET.
- The show airs on ABC and Disney+.
- Episodes stream on Hulu the next day.
Early Celebrity Cast Names Raise Excitement
The celebrity lineup is still being revealed, but several names have already generated interest. Announced contestants include Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson, “The Traitors” star Maura Higgins and “Summer House” personality Ciara Miller.
The mix suggests another wide-ranging cast, bringing together figures from sports, reality television and entertainment. Each contestant will face the challenge of learning demanding choreography while performing under the pressure of live television.
The full cast is scheduled to be announced Wednesday on Good Morning America. That reveal is expected to provide the clearest picture yet of the competition, including the celebrities who will be paired with the show’s professional dancers.
Julianne Hough Teases a Stylish Theme Night
Julianne Hough also hinted that viewers can expect a memorable theme night during the new season. While she did not disclose the concept, she emphasized that the fashion connected to the special episode would be particularly exciting.
“The fashion is going to be really fun with one specific theme night,” she said. “For me at least, I’m very excited.”
Theme nights have become a signature feature of “Dancing With the Stars,” often allowing contestants to perform routines inspired by movies, music eras or major cultural moments. They also give the costume and production teams an opportunity to create some of the season’s most visually striking performances.
What Fans Can Expect From DWTS Season 35
The latest GMA DWTS announcement points to a season built around familiar talent with a fresh competitive edge. Returning judges and hosts will provide continuity, while new celebrities and professional pairings could create unexpected fan favorites.
With two premiere episodes scheduled in the same week, audiences will quickly see which contestants arrive prepared, which couples need more time and which performers may emerge as early contenders. The complete lineup will also help shape expectations before the competition officially begins.
Fans can tune in to Good Morning America on ABC from 7 to 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Sept. 2, for the full Season 35 cast announcement. “Dancing With the Stars” then begins its new season on Sept. 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does “Dancing With the Stars” Season 35 premiere?
Season 35 premieres with back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET.
Where can viewers watch Season 35?
The show will air on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes available to stream on Hulu the following day.
Who is returning as a judge?
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli are returning to the judging panel for Season 35.
Who are the returning hosts?
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return as hosts.
When will the full celebrity cast be announced?
The complete Season 35 celebrity cast will be revealed on Good Morning America on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
