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ABC Announces Summer 2026: Dance Show, Game Shows, Film Block

5/8/2026

Summary

ABC Summer Schedule

ABC will debut Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro on July 13, 2026 (host Robert Irwin), broadcast CMA Fest by SoFi on June 25, 2026, and air 2026 ESPYS by Capital One on July 15, 2026.
ABC will air shows hosted by Steve Harvey’s Celebrity Family Feud, Elizabeth Banks’s Press Your Luck and Jimmy Kimmel’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire on July 9 and July 22, 2026.
ABC’s Sunday night block will feature The Sandlot, Sister Act, Independence Day, Speed, Moana, Toy Story 4.

Summary

Irwin Hosts DWTS

The Next Pro will pit twelve up-and-coming dancers in a house-based audition marathon for a professional slot on season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.
Robert Irwin, the 22-year-old champion of season 34, will serve as the series host.
Mark Ballas and his mother Shirley Ballas will act as permanent judges evaluating weekly performances.
Guest judges and mentors from former DWTS personalities will rotate on the panel to add feedback.

History

Historical Context

ABC debuted the American version of the British Strictly Come Dancing format on June 1 2005, drawing over 13 million viewers and sparking a long-running primetime franchise. After 34 seasons and licensing in 60 territories, the network announced the spin-off Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, premiering July 13 2026 with host Robert Irwin, underscoring networks’ reliance on proven formats.

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ABC Summer Schedule

ABC will debut Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro on July 13, 2026 (host Robert Irwin), broadcast CMA Fest by SoFi on June 25, 2026, and air 2026 ESPYS by Capital One on July 15, 2026.
ABC will air shows hosted by Steve Harvey’s Celebrity Family Feud, Elizabeth Banks’s Press Your Luck and Jimmy Kimmel’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire on July 9 and July 22, 2026.
ABC’s Sunday night block will feature The Sandlot, Sister Act, Independence Day, Speed, Moana, Toy Story 4.

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