ABC's "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro" launches a competition spinoff that flips the franchise formula. Instead of celebrities learning choreography, professional dancers battle for coveted spots on season 35 of the main show.
The spinoff brings established judging talent from the original series. Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli evaluate the competitors, with additional mentorship from veteran pros who've shaped the franchise. This format borrows heavily from "So You Think You Can Dance" and other talent competitions, but stakes the prize as a permanent gig on ABC's longest-running dance competition.
The dancer roster includes rising talent and seasoned competitors from the professional circuit. Casting spans different styles and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity the main show has increasingly prioritized. Competitors face elimination rounds designed to test both technical skill and star quality, since landing on season 35 requires both dancing ability and on-camera charisma.
This spinoff strategy reflects how legacy franchises extend IP across multiple formats. "Dancing With the Stars" has weathered format shifts, host changes, and platform migrations since its 2005 debut on ABC. The Len Goodman-anchored judging panel adds stability and nostalgia after the show's recent move to Disney Plus in 2023. Bringing back familiar judges and creating a feeder system for new pros strengthens the franchise's ecosystem.
For aspiring choreographers and dancers, securing a "Dancing With the Stars" spot represents mainstream breakthrough. The show still reaches millions despite streaming migration and shifting reality TV viewership patterns. A season 35 pro role opens doors to touring, social media influence, and celebrity clientele in future seasons.
ABC positions the spinoff as a way to deepen fan engagement during the off-season and build anticipation for the main competition's return. The