You've probably seen the glitter settling on the ballroom floor after that massive 20th-anniversary season. Honestly, the buzz around Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s big win has barely faded, and people are already losing their minds over who’s next. If you’re like me, you’re probably refreshing your feed every five minutes wondering when will dwts cast be announced for Season 35.
It’s kinda the same dance every year. ABC keeps us in the dark until the very last second, then dumps a whole list of celebs on us right before the premiere. But there’s a method to the madness.
The short answer? You should circle early September 2026 on your calendar. Based on how Disney and ABC have played this game for the last few decades, that’s when the "Good Morning America" reveal usually goes down.
The Official Timeline for Season 35
Look, the show hasn’t officially been greenlit for Season 35 by the network suits yet. But let’s be real. Season 34 was a ratings juggernaut. It hit its biggest premiere numbers in five years. You don't just walk away from that kind of momentum.
Usually, the renewal news hits around April. Last year, we found out in April 2025 that the show was coming back for Season 34. If that pattern holds, expect an official "yes" from ABC in the spring of 2026.
Once that’s settled, the cast announcement follows a very specific rhythm:
- Early April/May: We might get a "teaser" celebrity. Remember Robert Irwin being announced way early in April 2025? It was a shocker. They might throw us one big name early to keep the hype alive during the summer.
- Late August: This is when the "leaks" start. You’ll see blurry photos of people walking into the rehearsal studio with hoodies pulled over their faces.
- First week of September: The big GMA reveal. This is the official, full-lineup drop where we see the pros and celebs together for the first time.
Why the Wait for the DWTS Cast Reveal?
It feels like forever, doesn't it? But casting a show like this is basically a high-stakes puzzle. Deena Katz, the legendary casting director for the show, has to balance "nostalgia acts," "current reality stars," and "athletes."
The network wants to maximize the impact. If they announce the cast in June, people forget by September. By waiting until two weeks before the premiere, they create a "Discover" feed frenzy. It’s all about that concentrated burst of PR.
Plus, there are the "get" celebrities—the ones who are currently in the middle of a controversy or a massive career moment. For Season 35, rumors are already flying about Taylor Frankie Paul, especially since she's been all over the ABC ecosystem lately with The Bachelorette.
Who are we likely to see in the ballroom?
Even though we don't have the official word on when will dwts cast be announced, the rumor mill is already working overtime.
Simu Liu has gone on record saying he thinks about joining the show "regularly." Imagine a Marvel star doing a Paso Doble. The internet would actually break.
Then there’s the "Taylor Lautner" factor. Both Taylor and his wife, Tay, have talked about the show on their podcast. They've interviewed Alan Bersten and Britt Stewart. It feels like they’re just waiting for the right contract to hit the table.
We also have to talk about the 2026 Winter Olympics. History tells us that a breakout star from the February games is almost guaranteed a spot. Keep your eyes on someone like Chloe Kim or a viral figure from the slopes.
The Pro Dancer Shakeup
The celebs are great, but let's be honest—we watch for the pros.
Rylee Arnold basically became the face of the show’s TikTok resurgence. She’s already said she has no idea if she’s back until the summer. That's the part that kills me. These pros, even the ones we love, don't get their official "ask" until June or July.
Louis Van Amstel has been very vocal about wanting back in for Season 35. After that 20th-anniversary party, he basically told his Instagram followers that he "ain't done." Adding an OG back into the mix with the new school "social media" pros would be a fascinating dynamic.
Predicting the Season 35 Premiere Date
If the cast reveals themselves in early September, the premiere usually lands on a Tuesday night in mid-September.
Tuesday, September 15, or Tuesday, September 22, 2026, are the smartest bets. ABC found a groove with the Tuesday 8-10 p.m. ET slot. It works for Disney+ streaming too.
What to do while you wait
Since we’re months away from the official reveal, the best thing to do is watch the "feeder" shows.
Watch the Olympics in February. Pay attention to who wins The Bachelorette. Look at who’s making waves on TikTok. Usually, the people you see everywhere in the spring are the ones putting on sequins in the fall.
Keep an eye on the official @dancingwiththestars Instagram around mid-August. They love to post "hint" photos—usually just a picture of someone's shoes or a silhouette—to drive us all crazy.
When the news finally breaks, it’ll be fast and chaotic. One morning you’ll wake up to a GMA notification, and the next, you'll be arguing with your friends about whether a retired NFL quarterback actually has any rhythm.
Check the official ABC press site regularly starting in August 2026 for the first confirmed names. Look for the "Good Morning America" broadcast schedule in late August to spot the specific date for the full cast reveal.