Dancing With the Stars Season 35: When It Starts and How to Watch the Premiere

Mark your calendars, because the ballroom is heating up again. Dancing With the Stars Season 35 rolls out its first episode on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the classic 8:00 p.m. ET slot.

Fans can tune in the traditional way on ABC, but there’s a digital twist: the same episode streams live on Disney+ at the same moment. If you miss the live broadcast, Hulu will have a next‑day replay ready for binge‑watchers.

Episode 1 introduces the male celebrity lineup, each dancing to a No. 1 hit from the year they were born – a fun nod to their personal histories. By the end of the night, one contestant bows out. The very next day, Episode 2 flips the script, showcasing the female stars with the same nostalgic song‑choice format, followed by another elimination.

So, how do you catch it live if you don’t have a cable box? The easiest route is a live‑TV streaming service. DIRECTV Stream offers a five‑day free trial, and its plans start around $19.99 per month. Alternatives like fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV also carry ABC in real time, many with introductory free‑trial periods.

If you’re already a Disney+ subscriber, you’re in luck – the premiere streams straight to the platform at 8 p.m. ET. Disney+ costs $11.99 per month with ads or $18.99 ad‑free, and you can bundle it with Hulu and ESPN+ for as low as $11.99 per month (ads) or up to $32.99 for the full, ad‑free trio.

Beyond the hosts – Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough – the new cast features Jenna Dewan, Sarah Jane Nader, Julia Stiles, plus reality‑TV regulars like Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, musician Taylor Hanson, and Tatyana Ali. Expect plenty of sparkle, drama, and those iconic Mirrorball moments.

Bottom line: whether you’re glued to your TV set, watching on Disney+, or planning a catch‑up session on Hulu, you’ve got plenty of ways to see the dance floor fireworks. Grab your popcorn, set a reminder, and enjoy the first two nights of the season.