Summary (tl;dr)

The full celebrity cast and their professional dancing partners for the highly anticipated 35th season of "Dancing with the Stars" were officially revealed today on "Good Morning America," generating significant excitement among fans ahead of its September 15 premiere.

Essential Background

"Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) is a popular American reality competition television series where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to perform various ballroom and Latin routines. Each week, couples compete for judges' points and audience votes, with the lowest-scoring pair typically eliminated until a champion is crowned. The show has been a staple of entertainment for over two decades, captivating audiences with its blend of glitz, glamour, and celebrity transformations. It airs on ABC and streams on Disney+, with past seasons also available on Hulu.

The Full Story

On September 2, 2026, the complete lineup of celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners for "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35 was officially announced during a live broadcast of "Good Morning America." This highly anticipated reveal confirmed numerous stars, including actors Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, Tatyana Ali, and Harry Shum Jr.; musician Taylor Hanson; reality television personalities Tyler Cameron, Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, and Sarah Jane Nader; chef Giada De Laurentiis; Paralympian Ezra Frech; Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn; and internet personality Connor Wood. Additionally, the announcement marked the return of professional dancer Sharna Burgess after a five-year hiatus and introduced new pros Adele Zaikman and Hailey Bills. The hosts, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, along with judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, were announced a day prior, on September 1, also on "Good Morning America." The new season is set to premiere with a two-night event on September 15 and 16, 2026.

Why It Matters

The annual cast announcement for "Dancing with the Stars" is a significant event for fans and entertainment enthusiasts, sparking widespread speculation and discussion about who will compete for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The diverse mix of celebrities from various fields—including experienced dancers, athletes, actors, and reality TV stars—creates immediate buzz and anticipation for the upcoming season. This trend reflects the show's enduring popularity and its ability to draw a broad audience interested in seeing their favorite personalities step out of their comfort zones and learn to dance. The public's keen interest in the cast members, their pairings, and the show's premiere date highlights the consistent cultural impact of "Dancing with the Stars" as a major fall television event.

Geographic Location

• Times Square Studios, New York City, New York, United States (location of "Good Morning America" where the cast announcement was made)
• CBS Television City, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (primary filming location for "Dancing with the Stars")