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- When and where to watch the new DWTS spin-off
- How the competition works and what to expect each week
- Meet the host and the judges leading the search for a new pro
- Profiles: the 12 dancers competing for a pro spot
- Judging philosophy and weekly mentorship
- Where the Next Pro fits into the DWTS calendar
- Streaming tips and trial options for cord-cutters
- Trailer, clips and where to catch highlights
- Who’s behind the camera: producers and format lineage
Tonight marks the arrival of a fresh spin on the Dancing with the Stars franchise: a talent hunt that will decide who joins the pro ranks on the long-running ballroom series. Expect tight choreography, high stakes, and familiar faces from the DWTS family as 12 hopefuls battle in weekly tests for a coveted spot on Season 35.
When and where to watch the new DWTS spin-off
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro premieres on July 13 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will air every Monday in the same slot. New episodes become available on streaming platforms the following morning.
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Dancing with the stars the next pro free stream: how to watch, time and cast
- Live TV: ABC
- Streaming next day: Disney+ and Hulu (episodes drop Tuesday mornings)
- Live streaming option: DIRECTV (often offers a free trial)
How the competition works and what to expect each week
The series pairs contestants with rotating mentors from the DWTS family. Each week features a targeted challenge tied to a dance skill or storytelling element. Eliminations narrow the field until one dancer earns a professional spot on the flagship show.
- Episode 1 focuses on technical speed and rhythm with samba and jive.
- Episode 2 emphasizes connection, storytelling and partnership work.
- Mentors and guest judges include current DWTS pros and headliners.
Meet the host and the judges leading the search for a new pro
Season 34’s mirrorball champ Robert Irwin serves as host, guiding viewers through auditions and backstage drama. The judging core features ballroom veteran Mark Ballas and prominent judge Shirley Ballas, with a rotating third seat filled by guest judges each week.
- Host: Robert Irwin
- Main judges: Mark Ballas, Shirley Ballas
- Week 1 guest judge: Derek Hough
- Week 2 guest judge: Brandon Armstrong
Profiles: the 12 dancers competing for a pro spot
The cast mixes ballroom specialists, Latin stylists and commercial dancers. Some contestants have ties to DWTS already; others bring pedigrees from international productions like Strictly Come Dancing.
- Benjamin Castro, 25 — Latin/Commercial dancer based in Miami, Florida.
- Allen Genkin, 36 — Latin specialist from San Jose, California.
- Selena Hamilton, 21 — Commercial dancer out of Los Angeles.
- Natalie Jolley, 20 — Ballroom dancer from New York City.
- Erik Linder, 26 — Latin performer from Tampa, Florida.
- Nina Mayster, 28 — Latin dancer hailing from Philadelphia.
- Jake Monreal, 22 — Latin dancer from Miami.
- Briar Nolet, 27 — Commercial dancer based in Los Angeles.
- AJ Pritchard, 31 — Ballroom/Latin pro from London, with Strictly Come Dancing experience.
- Tristen Sanders, 28 — Combines ballroom and hip-hop from Atlanta.
- Stephani Sosa, 26 — Ballroom/Commercial artist and former DWTS troupe member.
- Adele Zaikman, 24 — Latin dancer from Los Angeles.
Contestants to watch
Keep an eye on dancers with prior DWTS ties or international pro backgrounds. Those resumes often translate into polish under pressure.
- Stephani Sosa — previous DWTS troupe member with backstage familiarity.
- AJ Pritchard — international stage experience from the U.K.’s Strictly franchise.
- Briar Nolet and Selena Hamilton — strong commercial foundations that adapt well to televised routines.
Judging philosophy and weekly mentorship
The show blends technical critique with theatrical guidance. Mark and Shirley bring championship and head-judge perspectives. Guest mentors help coaches tailor routines to each dancer’s strengths.
- Technical focus: footwork, timing, and dance-specific technique.
- Performance focus: connection, storytelling, and audience impact.
- Guest mentors: rotating pros and judges who double as mentors and third-chair judges.
Where the Next Pro fits into the DWTS calendar
ABC has already confirmed that Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will return in Fall 2026. The Next Pro acts as a feeder to that cast, with one winner expected to join the pro roster.
The network also revealed four celebrity contestants penciled in for Season 35:
- Ciara Miller (Summer House)
- Maura Higgins (Love Island, Traitors)
- Jackson Olson (Savannah Bananas — second baseman)
- Guillermo Rodriguez (Jimmy Kimmel Live sidekick)
Streaming tips and trial options for cord-cutters
If you do not subscribe to cable, a live TV streaming service is the easiest path to watch the premiere live. Many services offer free trials for new users.
- DIRECTV: often provides a short free trial and robust channel packages.
- Disney+ / Hulu: upload episodes for on-demand viewing after the broadcast.
- Check local listings for ABC affiliates if you rely on an antenna.
Trailer, clips and where to catch highlights
The official trailer previews high-energy rehearsals, judges’ reactions and the mentor-driven format. Short clips and episode highlights will appear on social channels and streaming platforms after each broadcast.
Search for the show’s name on ABC’s site, YouTube, Disney+ and Hulu to find trailers and full episode teasers.
Who’s behind the camera: producers and format lineage
The Next Pro builds on the DWTS format with an audition-competition twist. Production leans on experienced choreography teams and DWTS creative staff to maintain continuity with the flagship show.
- Production mixes live judging with packaged audition footage.
- Regular DWTS pros and creative directors help shape weekly challenges.
