What's Happening?
ABC has announced the expansion of the 'Dancing with the Stars' franchise with a new spinoff titled 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.' The announcement was made during Disney's Get Real unscripted TV event, confirming that the series will premiere
on July 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with episodes available the following day on Hulu. The spinoff will be hosted by Robert Irwin, the champion of DWTS Season 34. The show will feature 12 up-and-coming dancers who will live together and compete in a rigorous audition process for a spot in Season 35. Mark Ballas and his mother, Shirley Ballas, will serve as judges, alongside a rotating lineup of returning professional dancers who will act as mentors and guest judges. This marks the first time the franchise is showcasing its audition process, representing a significant expansion since the show's debut in 2005.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro' signifies a strategic move by ABC to capitalize on the growing popularity of the 'Dancing with the Stars' franchise. The original series experienced a surge in viewership last season, particularly among younger audiences, culminating in its highest-rated finale in nearly a decade. By unveiling the audition process, the spinoff aims to engage viewers with behind-the-scenes content, potentially attracting a broader audience and increasing viewer investment in the show's outcomes. This expansion could also provide a platform for emerging dancers to gain national exposure, potentially influencing the future of dance entertainment on television.
What's Next?
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation is likely to build around the identities of the 12 contestants and the returning professional dancers who will participate as mentors and guest judges. The show's producers, including Conrad Green and executive producers Ryan O'Dowd, Krystal Whitney, Alex Cross, and Jenny Groom, will likely continue to release promotional content to generate buzz. The success of the spinoff could lead to further expansions or similar formats in other reality TV franchises, depending on audience reception and ratings performance.
