When Does DWTS Start in 2026? Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere Date, Time and How to Watch

If you have been searching when does DWTS start in 2026, the wait is nearly over. Dancing with the Stars Season 35 officially premieres on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET with a two-night premiere event. This marks the highly anticipated return of the hit dance competition series, and fans are eager to see the new cast of celebrities and professional dancers hit the ballroom floor.

The new season promises excitement with a star-studded lineup of contestants and the return of familiar faces behind the judges’ table. Here is everything you need to know about when does Dancing with the Stars start, the premiere schedule, and how to watch Season 35.

When Does DWTS Start in 2026?

For those asking when does DWTS start in 2026, the answer is clear: Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premieres on September 15, 2026. The season kicks off with back-to-back episodes. The premiere episode airs Tuesday, September 15, followed by a second episode on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Both episodes will air at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. This two-night premiere event allows viewers to meet all the new celebrity contestants and their professional partners before the competition fully heats up. After the premiere week, the show is expected to continue airing on its regular night.

Dancing with the Stars 2026 Premiere Date and Time

Here are the confirmed details for the DWTS 2026 premiere date in an easy-to-read format. Please note that this information is based on official announcements for Season 35.

This two-night event allows fans to watch all 16 celebrity contestants and their pro partners make their debut on the dance floor before the competition narrows the field.

What Time Does DWTS Start?

The premiere of DWTS Season 35 begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). For viewers in other U.S. time zones, the show airs simultaneously, which means it starts at 7:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (PT). The show will also be available to stream live on Disney+ at the same time. This season, the show is simulcast on ABC and Disney+, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Dancing with the Stars 2026 Schedule

The Dancing with the Stars 2026 schedule begins with the two-night premiere on September 15 and 16. Following this special event, the series will air weekly on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the day after they air.

This schedule allows viewers to watch the show live or stream it later, making it easier to keep up with the competition. The show will follow its classic format, with weekly performances and eliminations leading up to the season finale later in the fall.

Who Is in the DWTS 2026 Cast?

The DWTS 2026 cast features a diverse group of celebrities, including actors, Olympians, reality TV stars, and musicians. The 16 celebrity contestants and their professional partners were announced during the Good Morning America cast reveal on September 2, 2026. The cast includes:

• Actors: Jenna Dewan (partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy), Julia Stiles (Ezra Sosa), Harry Shum Jr. (Jenna Johnson), and Tatyana Ali (Jan Ravnik).
• Olympians: Figure skater Amber Glenn (Pasha Pashkov) and Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech (Daniella Karagach).
• Reality Stars: Tyler Cameron (Sharna Burgess), Conner Leavitt (Adele Zaikman), Sarah Jane Nader (Hailey Bills), Ciara Miller (Brandon Armstrong), and Maura Higgins (Mark Ballas).
• Other Notable Names: Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis (Alan Bersten), musician Taylor Hanson (Britt Stewart), comedian Connor Wood (Rylee Arnold), Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez (Witney Carson), and baseball player Jackson Olson (Emma Slater).

The professional dancer lineup also includes returning favorites like Mark Ballas, Sharna Burgess, and Witney Carson, alongside newcomers like Adele Zaikman and Hailey Bills.

How to Watch Dancing with the Stars 2026

There are multiple ways to watch the new season of DWTS. Here is how you can tune in:

• On TV: Watch the show live on ABC at 8:00 p.m. ET.
• Streaming Live: The show will be simulcast live on Disney+, allowing subscribers to watch at the same time as the broadcast.
• On-Demand: New episodes will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.

These options ensure that fans can watch the show through traditional cable, streaming services, or on-demand platforms.

What to Expect From DWTS Season 35

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is shaping up to be a competitive and entertaining season. The cast includes several contestants with prior dance experience, such as Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr., both of whom began their careers as professional dancers. The season also features Olympians and athletes who often excel in the competition. The judging panel remains unchanged, with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough returning to critique performances. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are set to return as hosts for Season 35.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does DWTS start in 2026?

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 starts on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

What date does Dancing with the Stars Season 35 start?

The official premiere date for Season 35 is September 15, 2026, with a second episode on September 16, 2026.

What time does DWTS start?

The show starts at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT / 5:00 p.m. PT.

Where can I watch DWTS 2026?

You can watch it on ABC or stream it live on Disney+. Episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

Who is in the Dancing with the Stars 2026 cast?

The cast includes Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, Harry Shum Jr., Tatyana Ali, Amber Glenn, Ezra Frech, Tyler Cameron, Giada De Laurentiis, Taylor Hanson, and more.

Is DWTS on tonight?

The show premieres on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and continues the following night. It will then air weekly on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.

What season of Dancing with the Stars is 2026?

In 2026, the show is airing Season 35.