It’s officially that time of year again for one of television’s most beloved and glitter-soaked traditions. Dancing With the Stars has returned for its 35th season, and ABC just handed fans an early gift: the complete roadmap of themed nights that will guide the competition from its explosive two-night premiere all the way to the mirrorball trophy ceremony. The announcement alone is enough to send longtime viewers into a spin, because themed weeks are often the heart and soul of the show. They give celebrities the chance to step outside their comfort zones, channel iconic musical eras, and deliver the kind of memorable performances that turn contestants into fan favorites. With a cast packed with familiar faces from reality TV, music, sports, and Hollywood, season 35 is shaping up to be one of the most eclectic and emotionally resonant installments in recent memory. And while the competition only just began, the show wasted no time in making headlines, with early eliminations already proving that no one is safe. From the glitz of the premiere to the promise of Disney magic and Grammy-worthy numbers ahead, this season is poised to be a journey filled with vulnerability, transformation, and, of course, spectacular choreography.
The big reveal came courtesy of a familiar voice in the DWTS universe. Season 34 alum Andy Richter stepped in to host the “Official DWTS Podcast” on Friday, September 18, and he took great pleasure in unveiling the full list of themed nights for the season. It was a moment of pure fan service, delivered with the kind of humor and warmth that Richter has always brought to the ballroom. His announcement gave viewers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come, and the lineup is as varied and exciting as any in the show’s history. The season kicks off its thematic journey with a celebration of the digital age, as Week 2 brings “Viral Hits,” a night dedicated to the songs that have taken over social media and streaming platforms. From there, the season takes a smooth detour into the past with Week 3’s “Yacht Rock,” a tribute to the soft, smooth sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Then, in a move that will undoubtedly have fans screaming, Week 4 is devoted entirely to the one and only Mariah Carey, promising a night of vocal acrobatics, diva glamour, and songs that have defined pop culture for decades. Week 5 remains shrouded in mystery as “TBA,” but the speculation is already beginning to swirl about what surprise theme producers have up their sequined sleeves.
The premiere itself was a stunning introduction to this season’s energy and emotional stakes. For the first time in the show’s history, the competition opened with the male and female celebrities performing on separate nights, a format shift that gave each contestant a little more room to shine. The theme for these opening performances was both personal and nostalgic: each celebrity danced to a Billboard No. 1 hit from their birth year. It was a brilliant way to kick off the season, allowing the stars to connect with songs that held deep meaning for them and their families, while also giving audiences a snapshot of the musical landscape that shaped their lives. The results were a mix of joy, sentimentality, and nerves, as contestants traded in their everyday lives for the intense world of ballroom training. But as always, the premiere also brought heartbreak. Conner Leavitt, known to many from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, became the first celebrity to be eliminated from the season, bowing out alongside his professional partner, new pro Adele Zaikman. Their journey was brief, but it was clear that they had poured their hearts into the experience. Not long after, Sarah Jane Nader and her pro partner Hailey Bills also said goodbye, making the opening nights a stark reminder that in the world of DWTS, every dance could be your last.
Adding to the excitement is the impressive and wonderfully diverse cast competing for the coveted mirrorball trophy. The roster includes reality stars like Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins, who are already familiar faces to millions and now have the chance to show off a completely different side of themselves. Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez bring their own unique backgrounds to the ballroom, while Tyler Cameron, the former Bachelorette contestant, is looking to trade roses for trophies. Jenna Dewan, a seasoned performer and former dancer, enters the competition with high expectations, and her presence alone raises the bar for the entire cast. But the season also features a number of contestants whose stories are deeply inspiring. Tatyana Ali, beloved for her role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, is ready to remind everyone that she’s more than just a sitcom star. Giada De Laurentiis, the celebrated Food Network chef, is stepping far outside her kitchen comfort zone. Ezra Frech, a Paralympic athlete, and Amber Glenn, a champion figure skater, bring an elite athleticism and a profound sense of determination to the floor. Taylor Hanson, one of the voices behind the iconic pop band Hanson, is sure to win hearts with his musicality, while Harry Shum Jr., a professional dancer and actor, is arguably one of the most technically skilled competitors in the entire lineup. Rounding out the cast are Julia Stiles, the beloved film actress, and Connor Wood, a performer whose charisma is already turning heads. Together, this group represents a beautiful blend of talent, grit, and heart, and their journeys through the themed weeks ahead are bound to be both thrilling and touching.
Looking more closely at the early themed weeks, it’s easy to see why fans are already buzzing. Week 2’s “Viral Hits” is a celebration of the way music moves through culture today, with songs that have become anthems on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and countless radio playlists. For the celebrities, this night is a chance to embrace the playful, trendy side of dance, performing routines that are both accessible and impressively choreographed. Week 3’s “Yacht Rock” is a completely different vibe, evoking the smooth, breezy sounds of artists like Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, and Christopher Cross. This theme is a favorite among music purists, and it allows the dancers to lean into a more laid-back, sophisticated style, complete with jazzier movements and a distinct sense of cool. Then comes Week 4’s “Mariah Carey” night, which is almost certainly going to be a highlight of the entire season. Mariah’s catalog is filled with songs that are not only vocally challenging but also emotionally rich, and the choreography will have the difficult task of matching the grandeur and vulnerability of her music. It’s a night that promises crammed lungs, massive vocals, and some of the most dramatic, passionate performances of the season. The mystery of Week 5, labeled simply as “TBA,” adds an element of suspense. Over the years, DWTS has surprised fans with everything from 2000s nights to Michael Jackson tributes, and this open slot suggests that the producers are keeping something special under wraps, likely to be revealed at just the right moment to maximize the drama.
As the season rolls on, the themes only become more emotionally charged. Week 6 is “Dedication Night,” one of the most touching traditions in DWTS history. On this night, each couple chooses a song that holds deep personal meaning, often dedicating their dance to a loved one, a life-changing experience, or a cause close to their heart. It is a night of tears, laughter, and raw vulnerability, and it consistently produces some of the most unforgettable moments of any season. Week 7 then shifts to the macabre and mischievous with “Horror Movie Night,” a fan-favorite theme that allows the celebrities to embrace their darker, edgier sides. Expect theatrical makeup, dramatic lighting, and routines that are equal parts terrifying and thrilling, with plenty of paso dobles and contemporary numbers designed to evoke chills. Week 8 brings the always-special “Disney Night,” a magical evening where contestants perform songs from beloved animated classics and modern Disney hits. This night is synonymous with nostalgia, sparkles, and family-friendly joy, and it often elicits some of the most imaginative set designs of the season. By Week 9, the competition is in its final stretch, and “Grammy Night” honors the best in music with routines set to some of the most iconic, award-winning songs of all time. It’s a night that requires polished technique and powerful storytelling, as the remaining celebrities fight for a spot in the finals. Week 10 is the “Semi-Finals,” where the pressure is at its peak and every dance becomes a matter of survival. Finally, Week 11 is the “Finale,” where the last couples standing give everything they have left in a bid for the mirrorball trophy. The season is long, the journey is grueling, and the competition is fierce, but that’s exactly what makes Dancing With the Stars so irresistibly captivating. With each new theme, fans are invited not just to watch a dance competition, but to witness human transformation, resilience, and the profound joy that comes from finding your footing, even when the world is spinning all around you. So grab your dancing shoes, settle in for the glitter and tears, and get ready for a season that promises to be as moving as it is magnificent.
