Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro premiere date now matters more than another vague spinoff mention because ABC has moved the show into a short pre-launch window.
Watch the video below.
Watch the official trailer below.
The short answer
ABC has set Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro for Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The network has also confirmed Robert Irwin as host, Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas as judges, and next-day Hulu availability.
Why the timing matters now
The premiere is close enough that the article is no longer just a future-project explainer. Readers now want the practical answer: when it starts, who is fronting it and whether the cast rollout is fully public.
That is where the current ABC material is clear. The launch date and on-screen leadership are locked, while the contestant-by-contestant bio rollout still feels lighter than the photo rollout.
Who is confirmed
ABC’s official materials position Robert Irwin as host and Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas as judges. The format centers on 12 up-and-coming dancers competing for a professional dancer spot on season 35 of Dancing with the Stars.
That last part is why the spinoff has a cleaner hook than a generic dance reality experiment. There is a direct franchise job at the end of it.
What is still limited
ABC’s press photos clearly show the full contestant group, but the current public-facing rollout still puts more emphasis on the host and judges than on a full text-heavy contestant bio page. That is enough to confirm the format and the stakes, while still leaving some contestant detail to fill in closer to premiere.
FAQ
When does Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro start?
ABC says the series premieres Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Where can I watch Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro?
ABC airs the episodes first, and Hulu carries them the next day.
Who hosts The Next Pro?
ABC has confirmed Robert Irwin as host.
Who are the judges?
Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas are the confirmed judges.
