Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro premiered on ABC on July 13, 2026. It is a spinoff of the long-running Dancing with the Stars franchise, which has aired on ABC since 2005. BBC Studios produces the series, continuing their work from the original franchise, with Conrad Green serving as the showrunner. Unlike the main series, The Next Pro is pre-recorded rather than broadcast live and is filmed entirely on location at the Queensland Ballet facility in Brisbane.
The format is a significant departure from the celebrity-focused main show. Rather than pairing celebrities with established pros, The Next Pro puts twelve up-and-coming professional dancers through a grueling audition process. The dancers live together in a house throughout the competition and face different challenges each week, covering technique, storytelling through dance, and the ability to create memorable viral moments. One dancer faces elimination each week until a single winner earns the coveted spot as a professional on Dancing with the Stars Season 35.
The show’s judging panel is led by Mark Ballas, a three-time Mirrorball champion, alongside his mother, Shirley Ballas. Shirley is a widely respected ballroom legend — she has coached Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, and Mark himself. She has also served as head judge on the British series Strictly Come Dancing for many years. Returning DWTS professionals also serve as rotating guest judges and mentors throughout the season.
Robert Irwin serves as the host of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro. He won the Season 34 Mirrorball Trophy alongside pro partner Witney Carson, making him a natural fit as a host. Irwin revealed he would host the show in May 2026, with casting for the twelve contestants beginning in June.
