Get your dancing shoes ready: ABC’s Dancing with the Stars has unveiled its celebrity roster for Season 35, and the lineup brings a mix of trained movers, reality personalities, athletes and unexpected entrants ready to compete on the ballroom floor. The two-night premiere is scheduled for September 15 and 16, and ABC will air the live episodes locally on outlets such as ABC Miami Channel 18.
Who’s in the cast?
- Harry Shum Jr. (actor, dancer — known for Glee and numerous high-profile choreography/dance credits)
- Jenna Dewan (actor and longtime dancer)
- Julia Stiles (actor; played a dancer in Save the Last Dance)
- Giada De Laurentiis (chef and television personality)
- Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas baseball star)
- Tyler Cameron (reality star)
- Connor Wood (comedian)
- Sarah Jane Nader (reality personality — partnered with pro Hailey Bills)
- Guillermo (Jimmy Kimmel’s on‑air personality)
- Plus other celebrity competitors and DWTS professional partners (full cast announced on Good Morning America)
Why this season matters
DWTS has long relied on a blend of athleticism, celebrity drama and polished choreography to draw viewers, and Season 35 doubles down on that formula. The cast mixes people with obvious dance pedigrees — like Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Dewan — alongside celebrities whose training is less certain (Giada De Laurentiis, Guillermo), which creates a narrative arc viewers enjoy: transformation from awkward first steps to surprising ballroom breakthroughs.
Including athletes such as Jackson Olson and reality stars like Tyler Cameron keeps the show connected to passionate fan bases across sports and reality TV communities. That cross-appeal matters for broadcast ratings in a fragmented streaming era: live competitions still command appointment viewing and social buzz, especially when premieres run across two nights.
What to watch for
- Early standout contenders: Expect trained dancers and performers (Shum, Dewan, Stiles) to be immediate technical leaders. Their challenge is to win over audiences emotionally as well as technically.
- Fan vote dynamics: Reality stars and local favorite athletes can leverage social followings to survive early eliminations despite lower technical scores. How networks and producers highlight those stories will influence who advances.
- Choreography and themes: DWTS producers often use themed nights and surprise twists to level the playing field. Watch for creative choreography that highlights each contestant’s strengths.
- Media coverage and social media: Shows like this thrive on clips and viral moments. Memorable rehearsals, wardrobe moments, or an unexpected performance can boost a contestant’s profile overnight.
How to watch
The Season 35 premiere airs across two nights on September 15 and 16 on ABC. Local listings (for example, ABC Miami Channel 18) and ABC’s official site will carry scheduling and streaming details. Check ABC’s Dancing with the Stars page for episodes, contestant bios and episode replays.
Context and analysis
Dancing with the Stars remains a mainstay of network reality television because of its repeatable formula: a rotating celebrity cast, consistent production values, and an interactive voting model. For ABC, keeping DWTS fresh often means mixing high-level dancers with surprising celebrity picks who can generate headlines. That strategy preserves critical viewers (who appreciate technical dancing) while inviting new audiences through star-driven curiosity.
This season’s casting — a blend of trained performers, reality personalities and sports figures — is designed to create a balance between quality of dance and fan engagement. The presence of well-known performers like Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr. raises expectations for polished routines, while the inclusion of names like Giada De Laurentiis and Guillermo offers comedic and human-interest moments that often play well on social media and highlight packages.
Sources
- Good Morning America — announcement coverage and cast reveal: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com
- ABC — Dancing with the Stars official show page and scheduling: https://abc.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars
- Entertainment and celebrity outlets for cast context and interviews: https://www.etonline.com, https://people.com
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