ABC premieres Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro

A new competition series premiered on July 13, 2026, as "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro" debuted on ABC. The show, hosted by season 34 champion Robert Irwin, will determine the next professional dancer to join the cast of the flagship series for its upcoming 35th season.

Twelve professional dancers from various backgrounds have moved into a shared house in Australia to compete in weekly challenges. Unlike the main show, "The Next Pro" focuses on the skills required to be a professional partner, including technique, choreography, teaching ability, storytelling, and chemistry. The winner will secure a spot in the professional lineup for "Dancing with the Stars" season 35.

The judging panel is led by the mother-son duo of Shirley Ballas, head judge of the UK's "Strictly Come Dancing," and Mark Ballas, a three-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion. Mark Ballas has described the format as more complex than a traditional dance competition because it evaluates a dancer's capacity to teach and connect with a celebrity partner, not just perform. A rotating roster of current "Dancing with the Stars" professionals will serve as guest judges and mentors each week, with Derek Hough...