The full cast for Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will officially be revealed on September 2, 2026, during its traditional home on Good Morning America. While ABC is keeping the official headshots under wraps until then, the ballroom rumor mill is already in overdrive with names like Julia Stiles and Bachelor Nation’s Tyler Cameron topping the leaked lists. The new season is expected to premiere in mid-September, continuing its dual-broadcast run on ABC and Disney+.
The Dancing with the Stars Season 35 cast reveal is set for September 2 on Good Morning America. The season will likely premiere on Monday, September 14, 2026. If you’re looking for a rare "co-viewing unicorn" that works for elementary schoolers and grandparents alike, this is it. For more hits that actually land for the whole house, check out our best shows for kids list.
The cast announcement has become a holiday of its own for fans of the mirrorball. Expect the usual 7:00 AM ET rollout on GMA, where we’ll see the awkward-but-charming lineup of athletes, reality stars, and "hey, I remember them" actors standing in their first official sequins.
By the time the sun is up on September 2, we’ll know exactly which pros are paired with which celebrities. This is usually the moment the internet decides who the frontrunner is based entirely on height and vibes. If your kid is into dance or just likes the "journey" of a competition, the reveal is a great time to let them pick a "team" to follow for the season.
We don't have the official list yet, but the leaks are starting to look consistent. Julia Stiles is the name that has everyone doing a double-take—if she’s actually in, expect some Save the Last Dance nostalgia to carry her through the first few weeks. Tyler Cameron is also heavily rumored, which would satisfy the mandatory "Bachelor contestant" slot that the show has occupied since the dawn of time.
Beyond the big names, expect the usual mix:
- An Olympian: Coming off the 2026 Winter Games, look for a figure skater or a snowboarder to bring that "I already know how to train 12 hours a day" energy.
- The Disney Star: There is almost always a current or former Disney Channel lead looking to transition into a more "adult" career phase.
- The Wildcard: Usually a legendary musician or a comedian who will either be surprisingly graceful or the first one sent home in a cloud of glitter.
It is genuinely hard to find shows that don't make parents want to scroll on their phones while their kids watch. Dancing with the Stars works because it is built on the "strands of literacy" we talk about at Screenwise—specifically, narrative structure and background knowledge. Watching a celebrity go from "I have two left feet" to "I just performed a flawless Argentine Tango" is a masterclass in the growth mindset.
If your kid is currently struggling with a new skill—whether it’s soccer, long division, or learning to code on Scratch—pointing out how much the dancers practice is a subtle way to reinforce that nobody starts as a pro.
The show will continue to air live on ABC and stream simultaneously on Disney+. This is a huge win for families who ditched cable years ago but still want to participate in the live-voting madness.
The live element is actually the best part for kids. Letting them cast a vote (with your supervision) makes them feel like they have a stake in the outcome. It turns "watching TV" into an active choice rather than a passive scroll. If you’re navigating a house with different ages, our digital guide for elementary school has more tips on how to manage these shared viewing moments without the drama.
When the cast drops on September 2, use it as a springboard. You don’t need to lecture them; just ask the right questions:
- "Who looks like they’re having the most fun?" (Focus on the joy of the performance, not just the scores).
- "Which dance style looks the hardest?" (Great for talking about different types of athleticism).
- "Why do you think the judges were so hard on that person?" (A low-stakes way to talk about constructive criticism).
Q: When is the DWTS Season 35 cast reveal? The full cast will be announced on September 2, 2026, on Good Morning America. Expect the reveal to happen during the 8:00 AM hour.
Q: What is the premiere date for Dancing with the Stars Season 35? While not officially confirmed, the show historically premieres on the second or third Monday of September. September 14, 2026, is the most likely date.
Q: Is Dancing with the Stars appropriate for an 8-year-old? Yes, it’s one of the most family-friendly reality competitions on TV. The costumes can be a bit "Vegas," and the judges occasionally use double entendres, but the focus remains on dance, hard work, and performance.
Q: Can we watch DWTS without a cable subscription? Absolutely. You can stream the new season live on Disney+ or watch it the next day on Hulu.
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is shaping up to be a solid entry in the 2026 fall lineup. The cast reveal on September 2 is the starting gun. If you’re looking for a way to bridge the gap between "kid content" and "grown-up TV," this is the move. It’s wholesome, high-energy, and a great excuse to stay on the couch together for two hours on a Monday night.
- Set a reminder for the morning of September 2 to check the GMA announcement.
- Check your Disney+ subscription to make sure you’re ready for the live stream.
- Explore more family favorites in our best family movies by age list for those nights when the ballroom is dark.
- Ask our chatbot for recommendations for shows like Dancing with the Stars
.