The highly anticipated 35th season of Dancing With the Stars is set to premiere with a two-night event, offering fans multiple avenues to catch the ballroom action, both on traditional broadcast television and through a variety of streaming services. The popular reality competition returns to ABC for its initial broadcast, with a significant simultaneous streaming option available on Disney+, marking a continued evolution in how viewers access live television content. This season promises a blend of familiar faces and new talent, along with an innovative after-show designed to deepen viewer engagement with the weekly eliminations and performances.
The Return to the Ballroom: Season 35 Premiere Details
The journey to crown a new Mirrorball Trophy champion commences with a special two-part premiere event. Part one is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. PT/ET, followed by part two on Wednesday, September 16, also at 8 p.m. PT/ET. Both episodes will air live on ABC, simultaneously becoming available for live stream on Disney+. Following this inaugural week, new episodes of Dancing With the Stars will transition to a regular weekly schedule, airing every Tuesday evening at 8 p.m. PT/ET. This consistent timing aims to establish a clear viewing routine for its dedicated audience across both broadcast and digital platforms.
The decision to offer a simultaneous broadcast on ABC and Disney+ reflects a strategic move by the network to cater to diverse viewer preferences. While ABC continues to serve viewers with traditional cable or antenna access, the Disney+ simulcast directly addresses the growing segment of cord-cutters and those who prefer on-demand or digital-first content consumption. This dual-platform approach ensures that Dancing With the Stars, a cultural staple known for its blend of celebrity and dance, remains highly accessible in an evolving media landscape.
Comprehensive Streaming Options for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35
For viewers looking to watch Dancing With the Stars Season 35 online, several live TV streaming services provide access to ABC’s live feed. These platforms offer flexibility, often including free trial periods that allow new subscribers to experience the service before committing to a monthly plan. Beyond these traditional live TV options, Disney+ serves as a direct streaming hub for the show, providing a consistent experience for dedicated fans.
DirecTV Stream: Access and Free Trial
DirecTV Stream includes ABC as part of its various subscription packages, making it a viable option for those seeking to watch Dancing With the Stars Season 35 live. The service offers a five-day free trial, allowing potential subscribers to test its features and channel lineup, including ABC, at no initial cost. DirecTV Stream’s signature packages, such as Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier, all encompass ABC. Furthermore, certain DirecTV Signature packages are noted to include a Disney+ bundle, offering an integrated solution for viewers who wish to access both the live ABC broadcast and the Disney+ simulcast through a single provider. Plans for DirecTV Stream start from $19.99 per month for build-your-own channel lineups, with full packages varying in price.
Fubo: Sports-Centric with DWTS Access
Fubo, often recognized for its extensive sports coverage, also carries ABC, providing another avenue for streaming Dancing With the Stars Season 35. New subscribers to Fubo can take advantage of a five-day free trial, granting them temporary access to the network’s programming, including the live DWTS episodes. After the trial period concludes, Fubo’s plans typically begin at $54.99 for the first month, subsequently increasing to $64.99 per month. This service appeals to viewers who desire a broad selection of live channels, encompassing entertainment, news, and a strong emphasis on sports, all while retaining access to major broadcast networks like ABC.
Sling TV: Flexible Plans for Live Viewing
Sling TV presents a more budget-friendly approach to live television streaming, with ABC available in select markets through its various plans. Viewers interested in Dancing With the Stars Season 35 should verify local ABC station availability on Sling’s website. The network is typically included in Sling’s Select plan, which starts from $19.99 per month, the Sling Blue plan starting from $45.99 per month, and the Sling Orange & Blue combined plan, priced from $60.99 per month. Sling’s modular pricing structure allows users to customize their channel packages, making it an attractive option for those seeking to control their monthly streaming expenses while still accessing essential networks.
Hulu + Live TV: Bundled Entertainment
Hulu + Live TV offers a comprehensive entertainment package that includes ABC, making it a robust choice for watching Dancing With the Stars Season 35. The service typically provides a three-day free trial for new users. A key advantage of Hulu + Live TV is its bundled offering, which combines live television access with subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN+. This integrated approach provides extensive content across live sports, on-demand movies, and popular series for a single monthly fee, starting at $89.99 per month. This option is particularly appealing to households looking for a consolidated streaming solution that covers a wide range of entertainment needs.
Disney+: The Direct Streaming Hub
Disney+ serves as the dedicated streaming platform for Dancing With the Stars Season 35, simulcasting every episode live alongside ABC. While Disney+ does not offer a standalone free trial, viewers can gain access through bundles or specific promotions. As previously noted, certain DirecTV Signature packages include a Disney+ subscription, which then grants access to the live DWTS simulcast, effectively providing a backdoor to a free trial through DirecTV’s initial offer. The direct availability on Disney+ underscores the shift towards hybrid broadcast-streaming models, ensuring that the show reaches a broader, digitally-savvy audience instantaneously.
‘DWTS After Party’: A New Dimension to Season 35
Adding a fresh layer to the viewer experience, Season 35 will introduce a first-of-its-kind companion show titled DWTS After Party. This post-show analysis is scheduled to air on Wednesday, September 16, at 10 p.m. PT/ET, immediately following the second part of the premiere. The DWTS After Party will be hosted by Robert Irwin, the champion of Season 34, bringing a recent winner’s perspective to the discussions.
The after-show is designed to recap all the action from the main competition, providing deeper insights and discussions, particularly focusing on the crucial double elimination process that will occur during the premiere week. Airing on both ABC and Disney+, this new segment aims to enhance fan engagement by offering immediate reactions, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and expert commentary. The introduction of such an interactive component reflects the growing trend in reality television to extend the viewing experience beyond the core broadcast, fostering a more connected and dynamic community around the show.
Meet the Talent: Hosts, Judges, and Professional Dancers of Season 35
The success of Dancing With the Stars heavily relies on its charismatic personalities, from its hosts to its expert judges and the talented professional dancers. Season 35 brings back a strong lineup, alongside some notable advancements within the professional ranks.
Veteran Hosts and Esteemed Judges
Alfonso Ribeiro, a former DWTS champion himself, returns to co-host, bringing his infectious energy and firsthand understanding of the competition. He is joined by Julianne Hough, another beloved figure in the DWTS family, who has served as both a professional dancer and a judge in previous seasons. Their combined experience and camaraderie are expected to guide viewers seamlessly through the highs and lows of the competition.
The judging panel remains a cornerstone of the show, featuring the esteemed trio of Carrie Ann Inaba, known for her technical eye; Bruno Tonioli, celebrated for his flamboyant and passionate critiques; and Derek Hough, a multiple Mirrorball Trophy winner whose expertise in various dance styles provides invaluable feedback. Their collective knowledge and distinct personalities contribute significantly to the show’s entertainment value and credibility.
Pioneering Professionals and Celebrity Partnerships
Season 35 marks significant developments among the professional dancers. Hailey Bills, a former troupe member, has been promoted to a professional dancer, making history as part of the show’s third-ever same-sex pairing. This move underscores the show’s commitment to inclusivity and representation within the ballroom. Additionally, Adele Zaikman, recently crowned the winner of DWTS: The Next Pro, joins the professional cast, bringing fresh talent and a new dynamic to the competition.
The celebrity partnerships for Season 35 feature a diverse array of public figures, each bringing their unique fan base and potential for growth on the dance floor. Notable pairings include Tatyana Ali with Jan Ravnik, Tyler Cameron with Sharna Burgess, Giada De Laurentiis with Alan Bersten, and Jenna Dewan with Val Chmerkovskiy. Other celebrity participants include Ezra Frech, Amber Glenn, Taylor Hanson, Maura Higgins, Conner Leavitt, Ciara Miller, Sarah Jane Nader, Jackson Olson, Guillermo Rodriguez, Harry Shum Jr., Julia Stiles, and Connor Wood, paired with their respective professional partners such as Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Britt Stewart, Mark Ballas, Adele Zaikman, Brandon Armstrong, Hailey Bills, Emma Slater, Witney Carson, Jenna Johnson, Ezra Sosa, and Rylee Arnold. These pairings are crucial to the narrative of each season, as viewers follow the journey of these duos from novice to, potentially, champions.
The Enduring Cultural Impact of ‘Dancing With the Stars’
For over three decades, Dancing With the Stars has carved out a significant niche in American popular culture. Its consistent presence on primetime television, now augmented by robust streaming options, highlights its enduring appeal. The show successfully merges the glitz and glamour of ballroom dancing with the public’s fascination with celebrity culture, creating a weekly spectacle that attracts a broad, cross-generational audience.
The program’s format, which pairs celebrities with professional dancers to learn and perform various dance styles, offers a unique blend of personal transformation, competitive drama, and artistic expression. It provides a platform for celebrities to showcase new facets of their personalities, often leading to career resurgence or unexpected public adoration. The show’s ability to adapt to changing media consumption habits, particularly through its integrated approach to broadcast and online streaming for Dancing With the Stars Season 35, is key to its longevity and continued relevance in a crowded entertainment market.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Live Entertainment and Streaming
The simultaneous broadcast of Dancing With the Stars Season 35 on ABC and Disney+ is more than just a scheduling decision; it represents a significant indicator of the future trajectory of live entertainment. This hybrid model allows traditional broadcasters to leverage the reach of their linear networks while simultaneously tapping into the growing subscriber base of their streaming counterparts. For viewers, it offers unprecedented choice and convenience, blurring the lines between traditional television and digital platforms.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, shows like Dancing With the Stars serve as a barometer for how networks and streaming services can coexist and even synergize. The emphasis on live viewing, combined with accessible online options, ensures that major cultural events remain appointment television, regardless of how audiences choose to consume them. The success of Dancing With the Stars Season 35 online will likely inform future strategies for other popular programs, solidifying the importance of a multi-platform approach in the competitive world of entertainment.
The stage is set for an exciting new chapter of Dancing With the Stars, with all eyes on the ballroom and the many ways viewers can tune in. From the comfort of their living rooms via traditional broadcast to the flexibility of streaming on their preferred devices, fans are well-equipped to follow every paso doble, foxtrot, and dramatic elimination of Season 35.
