Dancing With The Stars returns for its 35th season tonight at 8/7c on ABC, introducing a new Mega Dance Challenge.
"Dancing With The Stars" (DWTS) is making its much-anticipated return for Season 35, premiering tonight at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+. This season aims to replicate the success of its 34th season, which captivated audiences and garnered impressive viewership numbers.
TVLine reports that last season’s finale achieved a 53% audience share among the lucrative 18-49 demographic, a remarkable feat not seen since the final episode of "Friends" in 2004. Executive producer Conrad Green emphasized the importance of attracting younger viewers while maintaining appeal for the show’s longstanding fan base.
As part of its strategy to engage audiences, DWTS will introduce a new competition segment called the Mega Dance. This twist will allow all remaining couples to participate in a relay-style dance performance, creating a unique communal experience. The format, reminiscent of previous relay dances, requires each duo to perform to selected sections of a single song, with no restrictions on their style.
The Mega Dance format aims to keep the audience engaged while providing a fresh challenge for contestants. Green expressed some apprehension about the new addition, stating, "It’s nice to keep everyone on their toes,” hinting at an exciting but unpredictable viewing experience.
This season will feature changes to the pro roster, with veteran Gleb Savchenko exiting and notable returning dancer Sharna Burgess stepping back into the spotlight. Additionally, new dancers Adele Zaikman and Hailey Bills will be debuting as pros, further diversifying the cast.
While the show actively seeks to attract the Gen Z audience, as seen in last season's casting of TikTok stars like Charli D'Amelio and Alix Earle, Green notes that the goal is to resonate across generations. He believes that appealing to different age groups enhances the viewing experience and keeps audiences emotionally invested.
Season 34 of DWTS became an unexpected hit in the ratings, as reported by viewership data from ABC. The season finale featured an intense matchup between Robert Irwin and social media influencer Alix Earle, sparking discussions and excitement among fans. Fans cast 72 million votes in the finale, showcasing a significant increase in viewer engagement compared to previous seasons.
Looking forward, the DWTS team is committed to creating a show that blends passion and entertainment, as highlighted by Green's remarks on audience experience: "When these shows first started, everyone would sit and watch together... we want to keep them engaged and entertained."
The return of "Dancing With The Stars" for its 35th season, marked by the introduction of the Mega Dance Challenge, signifies an ambitious effort to maintain the show's momentum following its record-breaking success last year. By balancing innovative challenges with familiar formats, DWTS aims not only to captivate its existing audience but also to reach new viewers across different demographics. With two nights of premiere events scheduled, fans have a lot to look forward to in this new cycle.
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