Robert Irwin is officially swapping his khaki wildlife gear for a microphone (and maybe a little lingering ballroom glitter) as the host of the new summer spinoff, DWTS: The Next Pro, and honestly, it’s the kind of wholesome "green flag" content we actually want our kids watching.
TL;DR: Robert Irwin, the Season 34 winner of Dancing with the Stars, is returning to host DWTS: The Next Pro, a high-stakes summer competition on Disney+ that searches for the next generation of professional ballroom dancers. It’s a low-risk, high-energy family watch that Screenwise recommends for ages 8+, though parents should be mindful of the heavy TikTok and YouTube cross-promotion that usually follows these big reality hits.
If you thought the main show was intense, DWTS: The Next Pro is upping the ante. Instead of celebrities trying to find their footing, this spinoff focuses on elite dancers competing for a permanent spot as a "Pro" on the main series. Think of it as the ultimate job interview, just with more sequins and 10-point paddles.
Having Robert Irwin at the helm is a brilliant move. He’s fresh off his Season 34 win, where he proved that the Irwin charm translates perfectly from the Australia Zoo to the dance floor. For us parents, he’s a breath of fresh air—he’s enthusiastic, respectful, and carries that "legacy kid" weight with a ton of grace. He’s basically the anti-"brain rot" celebrity.
If your kids are suddenly saying Robert Irwin is "massive W" or "not mid at all," it’s because he’s managed to bridge the gap between old-school TV charm and modern digital relevance.
- The Wholesomeness Factor: In a world of "Ohio" memes (which, for the uninitiated, is just Gen Alpha slang for anything weird or cringe), Robert Irwin is consistently sincere. Kids actually find that sincerity refreshing.
- The "Next Pro" Stakes: Kids love a high-stakes competition. Because the contestants are younger and hungrier for a career, the energy is much higher than the standard "celebrity learns to cha-cha" format.
- Cross-Platform Buzz: You’re going to see these dances all over TikTok. The show is designed to be clipped, shared, and turned into challenges.
Since this is a summer series, it’s easy for it to become the "anchor" of your family’s screen time. Here’s the Screenwise take on how to handle the digital footprint of a show like this:
The YouTube/TikTok Rabbit Hole
Expect your kids to want to look up the "original" dances or Robert’s winning Season 34 performances on YouTube. While the content itself is generally safe, the algorithm can quickly pivot from "ballroom dance" to "intense reality TV drama" or "celebrity gossip."
The "Grind" Mentality
The show highlights the grueling work it takes to be a pro. This is a great conversation starter about "the grind," but it can also lean into that perfectionist culture that we see on Instagram. If you have a child in competitive sports or dance, they might feel the pressure to match the "high stakes" energy they see on screen.
If your family loves the vibe of DWTS: The Next Pro but you want to diversify their digital diet with some lower-stimulation or more "creative" options, here are a few Screenwise-approved picks:
- For the "Wholesome Enthusiast": If they love Robert’s energy, check out Bluey. Yes, even for older kids—it’s the gold standard for emotional intelligence.
- For the "Competitive Spirit": Stardew Valley is a great way to channel that "work hard for a goal" energy without the stress of a reality TV elimination. It’s about building a farm, but the sense of accomplishment is real.
- For the "Dance Obsessed": Just Dance (the game) is the obvious choice. It turns passive watching into active movement, which is a massive win for summer wellness.
While the show is rated for families, reality TV always comes with a few "watch-outs." The costumes can be a bit "Vegas," and the judges’ critiques can sometimes feel a bit harsh for more sensitive kids.
According to Screenwise community data, about 40% of parents with kids in middle school use shows like DWTS as "co-viewing" opportunities—meaning they watch together rather than letting the kids binge-watch alone in their rooms. This is the move here. Use Robert’s hosting moments to talk about sportsmanship and how he handles the pressure of being in the spotlight.
Q: Is 'DWTS: The Next Pro' appropriate for a 7-year-old? Yes, generally. The show is very family-friendly, though some of the professional dance costumes are quite mature and the "high stakes" competition might be stressful for younger, more empathetic viewers.
Q: Where can I watch Robert Irwin's new show? You can stream it on Disney+ and catch it on ABC. It’s being positioned as a major summer event for 2026.
Q: Does the show have a lot of social media tie-ins? Absolutely. Expect heavy promotion on TikTok and YouTube. If you have strict social media boundaries, you might want to pre-screen the show's official channels.
Q: Is Robert Irwin a good role model for kids? Screenwise considers Robert Irwin a "High-Value Role Model." He consistently promotes environmentalism, hard work, and family loyalty, making him one of the safer celebrities for kids to follow online.
DWTS: The Next Pro is a rare win for family TV. It’s got the talent, the stakes, and a host who hasn’t been "corrupted" by the weirder corners of internet fame. It’s a great way to spend a summer evening together, provided you keep an eye on the inevitable TikTok dance-off that will break out in your living room immediately after the credits roll.