Summary (tl;dr)

"Dancing with the Stars" is currently a top trending topic as its 35th season is underway, marked by a star-studded cast, recent eliminations, and record-breaking fan engagement despite technical issues with online voting during its two-night premiere.

Essential Background

"Dancing with the Stars" is a popular American reality competition television series where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to compete in various dance styles. The show typically airs live, incorporating judges' scores and viewer votes to determine who advances each week. Season 35 commenced recently, generating significant anticipation for its new lineup of celebrity contestants and professional partners.

The Full Story

The 35th season of "Dancing with the Stars" premiered on September 15, 2026, and is scheduled to run until November 24, 2026, airing live on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. The current buzz stems from the ongoing competition, which has already seen several eliminations. During the two-night premiere, reality star Sarah Jane Nader and Conner Leavitt were sent home. Most recently, in Week 2's "Viral Hits Night," celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis was eliminated after her performance with partner Alan Bersten.

Adding to the trending conversation are the impressive cast of celebrities, which includes names like Tatyana Ali, Julia Stiles, Olympian Amber Glenn, Paralympian Ezra Frech, and Harry Shum Jr. Furthermore, the show experienced a technical glitch with its online voting system during Night 1 of the premiere, requiring viewers to vote via text. Despite this hurdle, the season has garnered record-breaking fan participation, with the premiere receiving double the votes of the previous season's debut, and Week 2 also setting a new fan vote record. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are hosting, with Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli returning as judges.

Why It Matters

The intense viewer engagement, highlighted by the record-setting votes and discussion around eliminations, underscores the enduring popularity and competitive nature of "Dancing with the Stars." The show's ability to maintain high viewership and active participation, even with voting system challenges, demonstrates its cultural relevance and strong fanbase. The inclusion of a diverse cast and the weekly eliminations keep audiences captivated and invested in the outcome, generating significant online discussion and maintaining its trending status in entertainment news.

Geographic Location

• United States (nationwide broadcast of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35 on ABC and Disney+, involving viewer voting and eliminations)