Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro

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July 21, 2026

‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ Series Debut Tops 5 Million Total Viewers

“Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” debuted with 5.33 million Total Viewers and an 0.86 rating among Adults 18-49 after three days of viewing on ABC, Disney+, Hulu and digital platforms. The high-energy “Dancing with the Stars” spinoff, hosted by Season 34 champion Robert Irwin, was ABC’s strongest summer series debut across genres in six years — since 7/15/20. On linear, “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” was the 1 program of the night in both Total Viewers (4.42 million) and Adults 18-49 (0.47 rating), standing as the best alternative series premiere this television season across broadcast and cable (excluding those inflated by NFL lead-ins). “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” was the 1 most social entertainment program of the night. On the next “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” (airing Monday, July 27, at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT on ABC and streaming next day on Disney+ and Hulu), the remaining dancers face one of the toughest “Dancing with the Stars” challenges: a group perf

Press Release - Ratings

July 20, 2026

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: Bring on the Intensity: Chemistry with Jenna Johnson (8/3)

MONDAY, AUG. 3 8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT – Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: “Bring on the Intensity: Chemistry with Jenna Johnson” (104) Logline: Champion Jenna Johnson challenges the eight couples to create a passionate routine that builds trust and chemistry while tackling the Rumba and Argentine Tango. For the first time, they choose partners, but the lowest-scoring pair will be eliminated. (TV-PG, DL) Stream episodes next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Press Release - Primetime – Unscripted

July 13, 2026

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: You’re Only as Strong as Your Weakest Link: Group Work with Britt Stewart (7/27)

MONDAY, JULY 27 8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT – Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: “You’re Only as Strong as Your Weakest Link: Group Work with Britt Stewart” (103) Logline: The remaining dancers face one of the toughest “Dancing with the Stars” challenges: a group performance. Mentored by Britt Stewart, they must master a high-intensity routine in just hours, putting teamwork, timing and resilience to the test. Stream episodes next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Media: Photos

Press Release - Primetime – Unscripted

July 6, 2026

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: Stories Without Words: Storytelling with Brandon Armstrong (7/20)

MONDAY, JULY 20 8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT – Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: “Stories Without Words: Storytelling with Brandon Armstrong” (102) Logline: The remaining 10 dancers must bring a personal story to life through dance. Mentored by Brandon Armstrong, they pair up to showcase connection, vulnerability and partnership. As pressure mounts, those who fail to connect risk elimination. Stream episodes next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Media: Photos

Press Release - Primetime – Unscripted

June 29, 2026

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: (SERIES PREMIERE) - The Journey Begins: Technique with Derek Hough (7/13)

MONDAY, JULY 13 8:00-9:01 p.m. EDT – Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro: “The Journey Begins: Technique with Derek Hough” (101) (Series Premiere) Logline: Host Robert Irwin challenges 12 exceptional dancers to the ultimate audition for a pro spot on “Dancing with the Stars.” Judges Shirley Ballas, Mark Ballas and Derek Hough test jive and samba techniques, with the weakest pair eliminated. (TV-PG, DL) Stream episodes next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

Media: Photos

Press Release - Primetime – Unscripted

May 8, 2026

ABC ANNOUNCES SUMMER 2026 PREMIERE DATES AND UNSCRIPTED RENEWALS

Today, ABC announced its summer premiere dates, which include a slate of high-stakes, fan-favorite game shows and the brand-new competition series, “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.” Kicking off the summer is the three-hour primetime concert television special, “CMA Fest presented by SoFi,” which features can’t-miss collaborations and unforgettable performances from Nashville airing THURSDAY, JUNE 25. News surrounding host and performances will be announced at a later date. “Celebrity Family Feud” premieres THURSDAY, JULY 9, with host Steve Harvey, followed by new episodes of “Press Your Luck,” hosted by Elizabeth Banks. Later in the month, Jimmy Kimmel hosts a new season of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” starting WEDNESDAY, JULY 22. As previously announced, the latest spinoff series from the hit franchise, “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro,” is set to debut MONDAY, JULY 13, hosted by Robert Irwin. “The 2026 ESPYS Presented by Capital One” airs live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.

Press Release - Primetime – Scripted, Primetime – Unscripted

April 22, 2026

DANCING WITH THE STARS’ EXPANDS HIT FRANCHISE WITH A NEW COMPETITION SERIES, ‘DANCING WITH THE STARS: THE NEXT PRO,’ COMING TO ABC AND HULU

Dancing with the Stars” expands its hit franchise with a new competition series, “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro,” coming to ABC and Hulu. The series will premiere July 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available the next day on Hulu. Hosted by wildlife conservationist and “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 Len Goodman Mirrorball Champion Robert Irwin, “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro,” features 12 exceptional up-and-coming dancers who move into one house and compete in a grueling audition process, all vying for a coveted spot as a pro dancer on Season 35 of “Dancing with the Stars.” Three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas “The Queen of Latin” will serve as judges. They will be joined by a star-studded lineup of returning pros who will serve as rotating mentors/guest judges. Details about the returning pros, and contestants will be announced at a later date. The series is produced by BBC Studios. Conrad Green serves as showrun

Press Release - Primetime – Unscripted