‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35 Debuts to 6.7 Million Viewers

The long-running competition series "Dancing With the Stars" returned to ABC this week, attracting a remarkable 6.7 million viewers for its Season 35 debut. This performance represents a significant boost, showing a 24% increase over last season’s premiere, which garnered 5.4 million viewers in 2025. The premiere not only outperformed the last season's kickoff but also marked the show's highest viewership for an opener in six years. The excitement surrounding the series continues to resonate with audiences, and many fans eagerly anticipated the latest installment. As the series moves forward, it appears that updates and potential changes implemented are contributing positively to its overall reception. With the strong numbers, the show hopes to maintain momentum throughout the season, further enticing viewers to tune in weekly. "Dancing With the Stars" has become a staple of reality television, captivating audiences with its blend of dance, talent, and entertainment. This latest viewership milestone reflects the program’s enduring popularity and the ability to engage a diverse audience. According to Variety, such ratings indicate that there is still a significant interest in watching celebrities take on the challenge of ballroom dancing, as they face off in various competitive formats while also showcasing their progress over the weeks. Overall, the successful launch of Season 35 positions "Dancing With the Stars" favorably as it competes with other shows in the reality TV landscape, proving once more why it has remained a consistent presence in pop culture since its inception.