Ballroom fever is back. Dancing with the Stars returns for Season 35 on September 15, 2026, and the production is pulling out all the stops. This year features a massive cast of 16 couples, tying the record for the largest lineup in the history of the series. With a blend of Olympic gold medalists, reality TV icons, and seasoned actors, the competition for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy is set to be the most intense yet.
The Historic Roster of Season 35
The 2026 cast is a balanced mix of pop culture nostalgia and current trending stars. Returning to lead the show are hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. The judges table also remains familiar, with Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli all confirmed to return. However, it is the celebrities and their professional partners that have fans buzzing.
This season stands out because it brings together a Paralympic champion and an Olympic champion for the first time in a single installment. Ezra Frech, fresh off his gold medals in Paris, joins figure skater Amber Glenn to represent Team USA in the ballroom. Their athleticism will be a significant hurdle for the rest of the cast to overcome.
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Major Milestones: Ezra Frech and Witney Carson
One of the biggest stories of the season involves returning pro Witney Carson. Partnered with Guillermo Rodriguez from Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Carson is making history as the first professional to compete while four months pregnant. She is currently in her second trimester, a feat never before attempted on the show. Fans are eager to see how the choreography adapts to her pregnancy as the weeks progress.
On the competitive side, Ezra Frech is paired with the technical powerhouse Daniella Karagach. As a double gold medalist in the 100 meter and high jump, Frech brings explosive power. Meanwhile, Glee star Harry Shum Jr. is already being labeled a ringer. Paired with Jenna Johnson, his background in professional dance gives him a clear technical advantage that other contestants, like stand up comedian Connor Wood, will have to work hard to match.
The Full 2026 Celebrity and Pro Pairings
The complete list of partnerships was officially unveiled on September 2, 2026, during Good Morning America. Here is the definitive breakdown of the couples competing for the title:
| Celebrity | Professional Partner |
|---|---|
| Ezra Frech | Daniella Karagach |
| Jenna Dewan | Val Chmerkovskiy |
| Harry Shum Jr. | Jenna Johnson |
| Maura Higgins | Mark Ballas |
| Tyler Cameron | Sharna Burgess |
| Guillermo Rodriguez | Witney Carson |
| Julia Stiles | Ezra Sosa |
| Amber Glenn | Pasha Pashkov |
| Taylor Hanson | Britt Stewart |
| Tatyana Ali | Jan Ravnik |
| Ciara Miller | Brandon Armstrong |
| Jackson Olson | Emma Slater |
| Sarah Jane Nader | Hailey Bills |
| Conner Leavitt | Adele Zaikman |
| Giada De Laurentiis | Alan Bersten |
| Connor Wood | Rylee Arnold |
Professional Dancer Shakeups and New Faces
The pro lineup has undergone significant changes for the 2026 season. Fans will notice that Gleb Savchenko is absent from the roster this year. However, the show is welcoming back Sharna Burgess after a five year hiatus. Burgess is famously paired with Tyler Cameron, a duo that social media fans are already obsessed with.
New talent is also joining the ranks. Adele Zaikman, who won the spinoff series Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, makes her debut as the first Israeli professional dancer in the show’s history. She is paired with Conner Leavitt. Additionally, Hailey Bills has been promoted from the troupe to a full pro. Her partnership with Sarah Jane Nader marks the third same-sex pairing in the show’s history, following in the footsteps of JoJo Siwa and Shangela.
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How to Watch and Where to Stream
For the fourth consecutive year, Dancing with the Stars will air simultaneously on two platforms. You can catch the live broadcast on ABC or stream it live on Disney+. The season kicks off with a special two night premiere on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
If you miss the live airing, episodes are typically available for next day streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. International fans should check their local Disney+ listings for regional availability, as the live simulcast is primarily focused on North American audiences.
Behind the Scenes: The New Aftershow and Podcast
Season 35 is expanding its digital footprint. Following the second night of the premiere on September 16, a new live aftershow will debut. It is hosted by Season 34 champion Robert Irwin, who will provide immediate reactions and interviews with the couples who survived the first elimination.
Additionally, the Dancing with the Stars podcast has returned for its second season. Hosted by comedian Andy Richter, the podcast is sponsored by Paris Baguette. Richter launched the new season on September 10, giving fans a sneak peek at the song choices and dance styles for the premiere week. This extra content provides a deeper look at the rehearsals and the physical toll the competition takes on the stars.
With 16 couples and a mix of seasoned pros and fresh faces, Season 35 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Dancing with the Stars. Whether you are rooting for the athletic prowess of Ezra Frech or the nostalgic charm of Tatyana Ali, there is something for every fan this season. Make sure to tune in on September 15 to see who takes the first steps toward the Mirrorball Trophy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the pregnant pro on DWTS 2026?
Witney Carson is the pro competing while pregnant. She announced her partnership with Guillermo Rodriguez while four months into her third pregnancy.
When does Dancing with the Stars 2026 start?
The two night premiere event begins on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
Are there any same-sex couples this season?
Yes. Reality star Sarah Jane Nader is partnered with pro Hailey Bills, making them the third same-sex duo in the history of the American series.
Is Mark Ballas back on the show?
Yes. Mark Ballas has returned to the ballroom to partner with Maura Higgins from Love Island UK.
Who is the new pro this year?
Adele Zaikman is the newest professional dancer. She earned her spot by winning the competition series The Next Pro and is the first Israeli pro on the show.
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