Video Robert Irwin to host new 'DWTS' spinoff - ABC News
The conservationist and TV presenter will host "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro," an expansion of the franchise debuting July 13.
abcnews.comRobert Irwin is confirmed to host a Dancing with the Stars spinoff called DWTS: The Next Pro, set to premiere on ABC around July 2026. The show will search for the next pro dancer to join the main DWTS cast for Season 35, with Irwin at the helm as host.[5][9]
Key points:
- Air date and format: Premieres July 13, 2026 on ABC, with Hulu as a platform partner in some regions, according to multiple outlets.[1][3]
- Role and structure: Irwin hosts a competition between dancers that aims to identify the next DWTS pro to join Season 35; Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas are reported as returning judges or mentors in some coverage.[3][6][1]
- Context and reception: The project is described as a pipeline to feed the parent show rather than just a one-off side project, highlighting ABC’s expansion of the DWTS franchise.[1][5]
Recent developments and sources:
- Official confirmation and details were shared at a DWTS-related event and through entertainment outlets in April–April 2026, noting the spinoff’s role in talent development for DWTS.[9][5]
- Early reports in February–April 2026 discussed Irwin’s involvement and the potential judging lineup, with subsequent announcements solidifying his hosting role and July debut.[6][3][9]
Illustration of the concept:
- DWTS: The Next Pro — a reality competition where aspiring pro dancers audition to become the next DWTS pro, with Robert Irwin hosting and established pros/judges shaping the competition. The winner would earn a pro position for DWTS Season 35, aligning the spinoff as a talent pipeline.[7][6][1]
If you’d like, I can pull a concise timeline of announcements and compile a quick at-a-glance table with premiere dates, network, and expected judges across sources.