ABC has revealed the celebrity lineup for the thirty-fifth season of Dancing with the Stars. The competition premieres in mid-September across ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.
Tatyana Ali and Olympic medalists lead the Season 35 roster
The cast for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars features a calculated blend of athletic prowess and entertainment versatility. According to the announcement, the lineup includes Harvard-educated actress and entrepreneur Tatyana Ali, alongside two-time Paralympic track and field champion Ezra French and Olympic gold-medalist figure skater Amber Glenn. The addition of Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson further diversifies the competitive field.
The inclusion of these specific figures suggests a strategic effort by ABC to attract a younger, more diverse demographic. By pairing Olympic and Paralympic medalists with reality TV and music stars, the network is leaning into narratives of perseverance and cross-generational appeal. This approach mirrors a broader industry trend where legacy competition shows pivot toward "viral" personalities to maintain relevance in a fragmented media landscape.
Comedy also plays a central role this season with the inclusion of stand-up performer Connor Wood. As the report says, Wood secured his position after winning a preliminary competition against high-profile figures such as influencer Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles , adding a layer of pre-season drama to the roster.
The September 15 and 16 two-night premiere strategy
ABC has scehduled a two-night launch for Dancing with the Stars on September 15 and 16, with broadcasts running from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. The program will air simultaneously on the ABC broadcast network and Disney+, with subsequent streaming availability on Hulu the following day.
This simultaneous broadcast-streaming model is a direct response to the decline of linear television viewership. By making the premiere accessible across traditional cable ,subscription services, and ad-supported platforms, ABC is attempting to capture every possible slice of the audience. This hybrid distribution strategy ensures that the show remains a "watercooler" event while catering to the on-demand habits of Gen Z and Millennial viewers.
The return of Carrie Ann Inaba and the addition of Irwin
The judging panel for Season 35 remains anchored by veterans Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. Guiding the contestants will be hosts Alfonso Ribero and Julianne Hough, who both return to their roles for the new season.
Adding a new layer of expertise to the production, the network confirmed that Irwin, a previous Mirrorball trophy winner, will join the program. Irwin is expected to provide additional commentary throughout the season, bridging the gap between the professional judges' critiques and the contestants' lived experiences in the competition.
Who are the professional partners for Ezra French and Amber Glenn?
While the celebrity roster is now public, several key details remain unconfirmed. Specifically, the source does not disclose which professional ballroom dancers have been paired with the new celebrities, including Ezra French and Amber Glenn. The chemistry between the pro and the celebrity often dictates the narrative arc of the season, leaving fans to speculate on the pairings.
Additionally, there is little information regarding the specific scoring criteria or the format of the "preliminary competition" that Connor Wood won. It remains unclear if these preliminary results will impact the initial scores provided by the judges during the premiere nights.
Andy Richter's September 16 live segment and the push for BTS content
To further drive engagement, ABC will air a special live segment hosted by former late-night sidekick Andy Richter on September 16 at 10 p.m. This segment is designed to provide behind-the-scenes insights and exclusive interviews with the Season 35 participants.
The use of Andy Richter to helm a secondary, more informal broadcast highlights the network's push for "supplementary content." In an era of social media clips and TikTok highlights, providing a dedicated space for behind-the-scenes access allows Dancing with the Stars to extend its footprint beyond the polished main performances, creating a more immersive experience for the audience.
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