As the leaves begin to turn in early September 2026, the ballroom is officially open for business. Following months of intense internet speculation, ABC has finally dropped the curtain on the complete celebrity cast and professional pairings for Dancing With the Stars Season 35. With a premiere date set for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, on ABC and Disney+, this year’s lineup is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and fiercely competitive in recent memory.
This season leans heavily into Millennial nostalgia by bringing in beloved 1990s and 2000s icons, blending them with modern reality TV favorites, elite Olympians, and viral internet personalities. It also marks a significant milestone for representation, featuring the third same-sex pairing in the American franchise’s history.
Whether you are here to see if professional dancers-turned-actors have an unfair advantage, or you simply want to watch a late-night sidekick attempt a Cha-Cha, the 2026 roster has something for everyone. We are breaking down the 16 couples competing this fall, the most anticipated rivalries, and everything you need to know ahead of the premiere.
Nostalgia and Hollywood Heavyweights
Season 35 brings several massive actors to the dance floor, some of whom already possess natural, undeniable rhythm.
- Julia Stiles: Best known for 10 Things I Hate About You and Save the Last Dance, Stiles is partnering with Ezra Sosa. Fans are already anticipating a recreation of her iconic hip-hop routine from the 2001 film.
- Jenna Dewan: The Step Up star and professional dancer is pairing with two-time mirrorball champion Val Chmerkovskiy. Given her extensive dance background, Dewan enters the competition as an immediate frontrunner.
- Harry Shum Jr.: Another Step Up alum and former Glee star, Shum Jr. brings massive technical potential to his partnership with Jenna Johnson.
- Tatyana Ali: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress is teaming up with Jan Ravnik, promising a highly entertaining run.
Athletes and Icons
The athlete category is exceptionally strong in 2026, featuring fresh off-the-podium Olympians and internet sports sensations.
- Amber Glenn: The 26-year-old figure skater, fresh off a team gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, is paired with Pasha Pashkov. Her ice-skating flexibility translates perfectly to the ballroom.
- Ezra Frech: The 21-year-old Paralympian, who took home gold in Paris 2024, is teaming up with Daniella Karagach.
- Jackson Olson: Bringing viral energy to the floor, the Savannah Bananas second baseman has matched up with Emma Slater.
- Giada De Laurentiis: Swapping the kitchen for the ballroom, the legendary Food Network chef is paired with Alan Bersten.
Reality Royalty and Late-Night Laughs
Reality TV stars and comedians are the lifeblood of DWTS viewer votes, and Season 35 delivers a massive, internet-savvy reality crossover.
- Guillermo Rodriguez: The beloved Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick is hitting the floor with Witney Carson, practically guaranteeing the season’s best comedic moments.
- Tyler Cameron: The Bachelorette fan-favorite is returning to ABC, partnered with Sharna Burgess.
- Maura Higgins: The Love Island and The Traitors US breakout star is paired with Mark Ballas.
- Ciara Miller: The Summer House star is teaming up with Brandon Armstrong.
- Conner Leavitt: Following the massive success of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Leavitt is paired with Adele Zaikman.
- Sarah Jane Nader: The Love Thy Nader reality star is making DWTS history. She is partnered with Hailey Bills, marking the show’s third-ever same-sex pairing.
- Taylor Hanson: The MMMBop singer is dancing with Britt Stewart.
- Connor Wood: The comedian and podcaster (known online as “Fibula”) rounds out the cast with Rylee Arnold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Understanding Dancing With the Stars Season 35 (2026)
When does DWTS Season 35 premiere?
Dancing With the Stars Season 35 will premiere on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The show will air live simultaneously on ABC and stream on Disney+.
Are there any same-sex pairings in 2026?
Yes. Reality star Sarah Jane Nader is partnered with professional dancer Hailey Bills. This marks the third same-sex pairing in the show’s American history.
Does Jenna Dewan have an unfair advantage?
Jenna Dewan began her career as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and starred in the iconic dance film Step Up. While her professional dance background makes her an immediate frontrunner, DWTS history shows that ballroom technique is highly specific, and fan voting often favors contestants who show the most growth throughout the season.
Is Mark Ballas back for Season 35?
Yes! Fan-favorite professional Mark Ballas has returned for the 2026 season and is partnered with reality star Maura Higgins.
With a 16-couple roster that expertly balances 1990s Hollywood nostalgia, viral internet personalities, and elite Olympic talent, Dancing With the Stars Season 35 is perfectly positioned to dominate Tuesday nights this fall. The inclusion of heavy hitters like Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr. guarantees high-scoring technical routines right out of the gate, while wildcards like Guillermo Rodriguez and Jackson Olson will undoubtedly bring the entertainment value. As the couples head into grueling rehearsals ahead of the September 15 premiere, the race for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy is officially on.
