‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35 Premiere Hits 6.7 Million Viewers, Best Opener in Six Years
“Dancing With the Stars” returned to ABC for its Season 35 premiere on Tuesday night and reached a strong 6.7 million viewers. That’s a 24% increase from the performance of the Season 34 premiere, which hit 5.4 million viewers in 2025. Even more, Tuesday’s episode marks the serie
The return of "Dancing With the Stars" to ABC has got people talking, and the numbers are proof. With 6.7 million viewers tuning in for the Season 35 premiere, it's clear that the show still has a strong hold on audiences. This impressive start is a 24% increase from last year's premiere, which is no small feat. It indicates that the show's popularity endures, even in a crowded television landscape.
What's behind this resurgence? One reason could be the show's ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining its core appeal. "Dancing With the Stars" has been a staple of American television for years, and its format - pairing celebrities with professional dancers - continues to captivate audiences. The show's success also speaks to the enduring appeal of music and dance in popular culture. As the music industry continues to shift and evolve, "Dancing With the Stars" remains a platform where music and performance intersect in a unique and compelling way.
Looking ahead, it's worth watching how the show's ratings hold up over the course of the season. Will the strong premiere translate to consistent viewership, or was it a one-time surge? Additionally, with the ever-changing television landscape, it's worth keeping an eye on how "Dancing With the Stars" incorporates new elements, such as emerging artists or fresh formats, to stay relevant and attract new viewers. As the music and television industries continue to intersect, "Dancing With the Stars" is sure to remain a key player.
Originally reported by variety.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.