Overview
- The series premiered Monday, July 13, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC with the first episode testing jive and samba technique and eliminating the weakest pair.
- Robert Irwin hosts the show while Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas serve as the regular judges and rotating DWTS pros such as Derek Hough appear as guest mentors and judges.
- Twelve up‑and‑coming dancers live together in a house and face weekly challenges focused on choreography, teaching, storytelling, partnership and technical ballroom skill.
- Episodes will air on ABC each Monday and stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu in the U.S., with Disney+ carrying the series in several other territories and live‑TV services offering access for cord‑cutters.
- ABC positions the spinoff as a formal feeder into Dancing With the Stars by awarding the season winner a guaranteed pro slot on Season 35, a prize that can jumpstart a dancer’s career and change how the franchise builds its cast.