Dancing With the Stars: A Show's Journey to Emmy Recognition and Future Endeavors
The iconic reality show, Dancing With the Stars, is gearing up for its 35th season, with executive producer and casting head Deena Katz and showrunner Conrad Green sharing insights at an Emmys FYC event. The show's success in season 34, marked by its highest ratings in a decade, has set the stage for further recognition from the Television Academy. While the show has historically earned craft nominations, the goal is to secure a coveted nod in the reality competition program category.
Katz and Green emphasize the show's unique production level, with weekly excellence required for a two-hour live show spanning 11 weeks. This level of commitment is what sets Dancing With the Stars apart, and they believe it deserves Emmy recognition. Green highlights the show's rarity in the current television landscape, where such production is often limited to big award shows. He argues that Dancing With the Stars fills a gap in the market, offering a similar weekly turnaround to Saturday Night Live for comedy and Dancing With the Stars for entertainment.
The show's ability to foster a community with its live viewing and voting model is a key strength, as highlighted during a Q&A panel featuring DWTS alumni and Love Island host Ariana Madix. This community aspect sets Dancing With the Stars apart from other reality shows.
Looking ahead, season 35 is in full swing, with casting underway and exciting plans unveiled. The show has announced the first two celebrities for the 2026 season: Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller. Higgins, a runner-up on The Traitors, has been a long-time fan of the show and is set to bring her authenticity and entertainment value. Miller, a Bravo star, joins the show amidst a personal scandal, offering a fresh perspective and a chance for healing.
The show's pro dancers are also a central focus, and the upcoming Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro spinoff will showcase the skills required to be a pro. Green emphasizes the importance of placing the dancers at the heart of the show, recognizing their creativity, passion, and patience. This spinoff is a priority to highlight the pro dancers' talents and the creative process behind the show.
As the show continues to evolve, the buzz around Dancing With the Stars grows, with the first-ever Dancing With the Stars Con heading to Palm Springs. The show's virality and live engagement have positioned it as a strong contender for Emmy recognition. With the Emmys approaching, the show's team is confident in its chances, as judge Derek Hough exclaims, 'There’s no reality show that’s as real as Dancing With the Stars. Let’s get that Emmy!'
