'Dancing with the Stars' Launches Pro Dancer Spinoff Hosted by Robert Irwin

29 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Apr 23

ABC has announced a new spinoff, 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro', set to premiere July 13, 2026.
Hosted by Season 34 champion Robert Irwin, the series will feature 12 aspiring dancers competing for a professional spot on Season 35.
Judges include Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, with rotating pro mentors, marking the franchise’s first behind-the-scenes audition competition.

With a new spinoff, is the 'Dancing With the Stars' universe becoming too crowded?

What does the Ballas mother-son judging duo mean for the future of dance on TV?

Will the spinoff's 'live-in house' format create more drama than actual dancing?

How will reality TV stars Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller fare on the dance floor?

How will the new pro from the spinoff change the dynamic of Season 35?

Is casting from hit shows like 'The Traitors' the new secret to DWTS's success?