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Disney Unveils 'Dancing With the Stars' Spinoff This Summer

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Disney launches a spinoff, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, this summer.
The series features aspiring professional dancers living together and competing to join the main show's 35th season.
Season 34 winner Robert Irwin is in talks to host, with Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas slated to judge.
A rotating third judge will participate.
The expansion follows rising popularity and high ratings for the original series.

History

Historical Context

"Dancing With the Stars" premiered on June 1, 2005, on ABC, quickly becoming a cultural sensation by pairing celebrities with professional dancers. The show, inspired by the British series "Strictly Come Dancing," significantly boosted ABC's ratings by 20% that season. Its enduring popularity has led to multiple spin-offs, including the upcoming "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro," reflecting the ongoing trend of innovation in reality television.

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Story summary

Disney launches a spinoff, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, this summer.
The series features aspiring professional dancers living together and competing to join the main show's 35th season.
Season 34 winner Robert Irwin is in talks to host, with Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas slated to judge.
A rotating third judge will participate.
The expansion follows rising popularity and high ratings for the original series.

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