What Happened to Dancing with the Stars?

Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) first captivated American audiences in June 2005 as the U.S. adaptation of the British series 'Strictly Come Dancing.' For over 16 years, it remained a staple of ABC's primetime lineup, pairing celebrities with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dances. The show's initial success was immense, with early season finales drawing over 27 million viewers.

However, like many traditional broadcast programs, DWTS experienced a gradual decline in linear viewership over the years. This trend, coupled with Disney's broader streaming strategy, led to a significant shift in April 2022 when it was announced that DWTS would move exclusively to Disney+ for its 31st season, marking the first live competition series to stream on the platform. This move was initially met with mixed reactions, with some fans expressing concern over the need for an additional subscription.

The exclusive streaming run proved to be short-lived. In May 2023, amid the Hollywood writers' strike and a desire to leverage the show's broad appeal, Disney announced that DWTS would return to ABC for its 32nd season, while also continuing to stream live on Disney+. This hybrid model has persisted, with seasons 33, 34, and the upcoming 35th season all airing simultaneously on both platforms.

Crucially, the show has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity and viewership in recent years. Season 33 (2024) saw a significant increase in live voting numbers, partly attributed to 'smart and risky casting decisions,' including controversial figures like Anna Delvey and relevant social media personalities and Olympians. This momentum carried into Season 34 (2025), which celebrated the show's 20th anniversary and achieved its highest semifinals viewership since 2018, with 7.22 million viewers. The season also saw record fan voting, with 55.9 million votes cast in one week. By the end of the 2025-26 television season, DWTS ranked as the 12th most-watched show across network television, drawing 9.8 million viewers, a testament to its successful revival and ability to attract younger demographics through streaming and social media engagement.

Looking ahead, DWTS continues to innovate. Season 34 introduced a new, more demanding three-round finale format, including 'Instant Dances' where couples perform to a mystery song without rehearsal. In July 2026, a new spin-off series, 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro,' premiered, hosted by Robert Irwin, with the goal of finding a new professional dancer to join the main cast for Season 35. Season 35 is set to premiere on September 15, 2026, with a two-night event, further solidifying the show's renewed strength and ongoing evolution in the competitive entertainment landscape.