Is This the Next Big Step or Just a Fancy Audition? A Look at 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro'

Move over, B-list actors and retired athletes, there is a new crop of hungry hopefuls ready to glitter-glue themselves into the spotlight. ABC has officially pulled back the curtain on its newest venture, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, a high-stakes spin-off designed to crown the next professional dancer for the flagship series’ 35th season. While the main stage is usually reserved for teaching a confused reality star how to point their toes, this new iteration flips the script, forcing elite dancers to fight for a permanent spot in the ballroom.

The Format: Big Brother Meets the Ballroom

The premise of The Next Pro feels like a fever dream mashup of So You Think You Can Dance and a high-budget reality house show. A group of aspiring pros will live under one roof, presumably sharing hairspray and simmering resentment, while undergoing a grueling audition process. It’s not just about the choreography; it’s about the "pro-factor" that elusive ability to handle a partner who has zero rhythm while looking flawless for the cameras.

The stakes are genuinely high. The winner doesn't just get a trophy; they secure a professional contract for Dancing with the Stars Season 35 in 2026. For these dancers, it’s the difference between teaching suburban salsa classes and becoming a household name with a million Instagram followers.

The Star Power: Irwins and Icons

If the rumors are true, ABC is leaning hard into the nostalgia and recent successes of the franchise. Fresh off his Season 34 Mirrorball win, Robert Irwin is reportedly in talks to host. It’s a savvy move Irwin’s infectious energy and "Crikey!" charm proved he’s the ultimate golden boy of the ballroom.

The judging panel is looking equally stacked. Reports suggest that legendary pro Mark Ballas will return to the fold, joined by his mother, Shirley Ballas. Having the head judge of Strictly Come Dancing on the panel brings a level of technical scrutiny that might actually scare some of these contestants into a perfect frame. Expect a rotating door of DWTS alumni to fill the third seat, likely providing the "fun" feedback while the Ballas family critiques the heel leads.

Why We’re (Slightly) Skeptical

History hasn’t always been kind to DWTS spin-offs. Between the short-lived Skating with the Stars and the chaotic energy of DWTS: Juniors, the franchise has a habit of throwing glitter at the wall to see what sticks. However, The Next Pro feels different because it feeds directly back into the mother ship. By the time the winner hits the Season 35 dance floor, the audience will already be invested in their journey.

The Road to 2026

With a premiere slated for summer 2026 on ABC and Hulu, the network is clearly trying to turn Dancing with the Stars into a year-round event. Between this new series and the upcoming DWTS Con in Palm Springs, the fandom is being fed more content than ever.

Do you think a reality competition is the right way to find the next pro, or should ABC stick to traditional casting?