Season 35 Cast Overview
Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars premiered on September 22, 2025, with a lineup of celebrities and professional dancers. The season features a mix of actors, athletes, and public figures competing for the mirrorball trophy. The cast was officially announced by ABC in early September 2025, with rehearsals beginning shortly after. Each celebrity is paired with a professional dancer from the show's rotating pool of pros. The season follows the standard format of weekly challenges, live results, and judge scores. Full cast reveal details are available on Forbes.
Professional Dancers and Partnerships
The professional dancers for season 35 include returning veterans and new additions to the troupe. Pros such as Witney Carson, Brandon Armstrong, and others were confirmed as part of the season 35 lineup. Each pro is paired with one celebrity partner for the duration of the competition. Partnerships are assigned during the season premiere and remain mostly fixed through the semifinals. Dance styles range from cha-cha and foxtrot to contemporary and salsa. ABC News covers the pro dancer assignments and partnership announcements.
Scoring and Competition Format
Each week, celebrities perform choreographed routines judged by a panel of experts. Judges score performances on a scale, and combined audience votes determine the bottom two couples. The elimination process follows a strict results show format every week. Industry standards for competition scoring are outlined by regulatory bodies.
Cast Members and Backgrounds
The celebrity cast includes individuals from television, sports, and music industries. Notable names were confirmed through official ABC press releases and social media announcements. Each cast member brings a unique background, from Broadway experience to Olympic competition. ESPN reports on the athlete cast member joining season 35.
Rehearsals and Training
Rehearsals for season 35 took place at the studio used for previous seasons, with strict health and safety protocols in place. Rehearsal schedules are intensive, often lasting several hours per day. Choreographers design routines tailored to each celebrity's skill level and physical condition. Forbes details the rehearsal process and training regimen.
Schedule and Broadcast Information
Season 35 airs live on ABC in the United States, with episodes broadcast on Sunday evenings. International broadcast rights are handled by Disney+ and other regional partners. Live results shows follow the main performance episodes each week. The finale is scheduled for late November 2025, with the mirrorball trophy awarded to the winning couple. Disney+ provides streaming details and episode schedules for season 35.