Why the “Dancing With the Stars” TV Show Is Reinventing Itself

A new chapter is starting for the Dancing With the Stars franchise. This time, the spotlight is not on celebrities chasing a Mirrorball Trophy. It is on the dancers who want to earn a permanent place in the ballroom.

The upcoming spinoff, “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,” will search for the next professional dancer to join season 35 of the main show. The series is expected to air in summer 2026 on ABC and stream on Hulu. Instead of casting famous faces, the show will focus on hungry, highly trained dancers who are ready to compete for a life-changing role.

The Competition Is Built for Pros

“Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro” flips the format in a smart way. Contestants will live together in a shared house, train daily, and face a tough audition process that tests skill, stamina, and stage presence.

Each week, dancers will perform in front of a judging panel and fight to stay in the competition. The winner will earn an official pro slot on season 35 of Dancing With the Stars. That means partnering with a celebrity, competing for the Mirrorball, and joining one of television’s most recognized dance casts.

This format raises the pressure. These dancers are not learning as they go. They already have technique and experience, and now they must prove they can handle prime time. Viewers will see what it takes to become a pro on the show. Long rehearsals, sharp critiques, and real competition will shape the season.

Robert Irwin in Talks to Host

DWTS / IG / Season 34 winner Robert Irwin is reportedly in talks to host the new series. Irwin won over fans when he claimed the Mirrorball Trophy in November 2025 alongside his partner Witney Carson.

His win marked one of the most talked-about finales in years. Now, producers see him as a fresh face who understands both the pressure and the payoff of the ballroom.

If the deal closes, Irwin would join the main show’s current hosts, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. His recent win gives him credibility, and his upbeat personality fits the franchise’s tone. Irwin knows what it feels like to compete under bright lights. That perspective could make him a strong guide for dancers chasing the same spotlight.

Fresh Judges’ Table

The judging panel for the spinoff will differ from that of the main series. Producers are reportedly eyeing longtime pro Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, for key roles.

Mark Ballas brings insider knowledge from years on the dance floor. He understands choreography, partnership dynamics, and what the show demands week after week.

Shirley Ballas adds serious ballroom authority. Known as “The Queen of Latin,” she has served as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing since 2017. Her experience in competitive ballroom gives the panel weight and sharp standards.

DWTS / IG / Reports suggest a rotating third judge each week. That seat could welcome former pros, guest mentors, or familiar faces from the “Dancing With the Stars” family.

This project is not happening by accident. Season 34 delivered massive numbers and renewed buzz for the franchise.

The finale that crowned Robert Irwin became the most-watched finale in nine years. The season pulled in nearly half a billion votes from viewers. Those numbers show strong engagement and a loyal audience that still cares about the show’s future.

The brand is also expanding beyond television. The first-ever “Dancing With the Stars Con” is set for late July 2026 in Palm Springs. The three-day event will bring fans, dancers, and special guests together for panels, performances, and meet-and-greets.