ABC is launching "Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro," a spinoff competition that puts professional dancers in the spotlight rather than celebrities. The show will task emerging dancers with earning a permanent spot on the "Dancing With the Stars" lineup for Season 35.
The competition format differs sharply from the flagship series. Instead of pairing professional dancers with celebrities, this spinoff features dancers competing directly against each other for a coveted roster position. Winners secure long-term contracts with the show, making this a career-defining opportunity for the dance community.
The judges and mentors roster includes established professionals from the "Dancing With the Stars" ecosystem. These veteran dancers will evaluate competitors on technique, performance quality, and star potential. Their feedback shapes which dancers advance and ultimately secure spots on the main show.
The spinoff reflects ABC's strategy to extend the "Dancing With the Stars" franchise beyond its core celebrity format. As streaming platforms and niche competitions proliferate, traditional networks lean on existing IP to develop new revenue streams. "The Next Pro" capitalizes on passionate dance fandom while addressing the show's ongoing need for fresh talent pipelines.
The move also acknowledges shifts in entertainment consumption. Younger audiences connect with behind-the-scenes content and talent development stories. A spinoff focused on professional dancer journeys taps into that appetite while maintaining connections to the flagship series.
"Dancing With the Stars" remains a ratings performer for ABC, though its viewership has declined from peak years. Spinoffs targeting dedicated fan bases offer networks alternative strategies for engagement. "The Next Pro" positions itself as an extension of existing loyalty rather than requiring entirely new audience acquisition.
The competition arrives as "Dancing With the Stars" continues navigating post-pandemic production and scheduling adjustments. Season 35 represents the show's ongoing evolution, incorporating new talent development mechanisms while preserving the celebrity-driven format that built its cultural footprint. This dual-