Robert Irwin Named Host of New 'Dancing with the Stars' Spinoff Series
Robert Irwin, winner of season 34 of 'Dancing with the Stars,' has been announced as host of the spinoff 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.' The series features 12 dancers competing for a professional spot on the main show. It premieres July 13, 2026, on ABC with next-day streaming on Hulu.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewRobert Irwin was announced as the host for the new spinoff series 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro' on April 22, 2026, at Hulu's second annual Get Real event in Beverly Hills, California. @ABC reported that Irwin was crowned the winner of season 34 of 'Dancing with the Stars' with his pro dance partner Witney Carson.
Post by @ABC on X
The new series 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro' will feature 12 up-and-coming dancers who move into one house and compete in an audition process to become a pro dancer on Season 35 of 'Dancing with the Stars,' according to Disney Entertainment Television Publicity.
M. EDT/PDT on ABC, with episodes available the next day on Hulu. Returning pros from 'Dancing with the Stars' will appear as rotating mentors and guest judges on the spinoff.
The finale episode of season 34 featured five remaining couples competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Irwin and Carson became a fan-favorite pair as they performed each week on the reality competition show. Shirley Ballas, dubbed 'The Queen of Latin,' will serve as a judge on the series.
BBC will produce the new show, while Conrad Green will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Hulu's second annual Get Real event occurred on April 22, 2026, at the Get Real House to celebrate Hulu's reality shows and talent. In addition to the spinoff reveal, Hulu announced a new show 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and 'Project Runway' on April 22, 2026.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News, Disney+, and Hulu.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-22
Robert Irwin announced as host of 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro' at Hulu's Get Real event in Beverly Hills.
1 source@ABC - 2026-04-22
Hulu announces new shows 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and 'Project Runway'.
1 source@ABC - 2026-04-22
Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller join season 35 cast of 'Dancing with the Stars'.
1 source@ABC - 2026-04-22
Elizabeth Smart posts bodybuilding photo.
1 source@ABC - 2026-07-13
'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro' premieres on ABC.
1 source@ABC
Potential Impact
- 01
Increased viewership for ABC and Hulu reality programming due to popular host and spinoff format.
- 02
Boost in engagement for 'Dancing with the Stars' franchise through new talent discovery show.
- 03
Expanded content slate for Disney-owned platforms with additional reality shows announced.
- 04
Potential growth in Hulu subscriptions from next-day streaming availability.
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