After Going Viral, Could Dancing With The Stars Return to Airing Twice a Year? ‘It Feels Like a Major Event’

Dancing with the Stars concluded its 34th season this past Tuesday, with the finale attracting record-breaking viewership and fan voting. Robert Irwin, following in the footsteps of his sister, claimed the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy alongside his professional partner Witney Carson. His victory was widely anticipated, as the Australian conservationist consistently earned top scores and fan support throughout the season.

The top three finalistsRobert Irwin, Alix Earle, and Jordan Chilesare all Gen Z celebrities, highlighting the shows appeal to a younger audience. This has raised questions about whether the program could maintain this new demographic if it returned to a twice-yearly format.

Following the seasons success, TV Insider spoke with executive producers Conrad Green and Deena Katz about the possibility of resuming bi-annual seasons. While no official changes were announced, Green shared his perspective on the idea: Being on twice a year is great for the show, but theres a lot to be said for being on once a year. It feels like a special event that everyone anticipates. You dont want to overstay your welcome.

Previously, Dancing with the Stars aired two seasons in one year, with 2018 marking the last time this occurred. Starting with Season 28, the show shifted to an annual schedule to accommodate American Idol in the spring timeslot. Additionally, ratings had declined following Bobby Bones' controversial win in Season 27, which contributed to the decision.

Original host Tom Bergeron, who returned for the 20th Anniversary special, noted that the Season 34 finale achieved the highest viewership in nearly a decade. Bergeron advocated for bringing back a results show to give viewers more time to digest the weeks dances, rather than relying on the current two-hour weekly format, which can limit engagement for West Coast audiences.

Green, however, remains cautious about altering the weekly schedule: We would gladly take on the challenge, but Im not sure a results show makes sense in todays industry. Moving to Tuesday nights has helped, avoiding competition from football, and the social media presence of our stars has been key in connecting with younger fans.

The show has indeed expanded its younger audience, with the 18-49 demographic nearly doubling this season compared to last. Behind-the-scenes social media content and viral choreography, such as Witney Carson and Danny Amendolas leg lift from Season 33, have played major roles in this growth.

Despite the interest in a bi-annual schedule, the once-a-year format continues to support high ratings and anticipation. Additionally, the intensity of training for professional dancers is a significant factor, as each season demands peak performance week after week.

As fans await Season 35 in the 2026 schedule, there is speculation about potential changes. For now, the well-being of contestants remains an important consideration alongside the shows popularity. In the meantime, viewers can catch up on episodes with a Disney+ subscription.

Analysis: "Dancing with the Stars" – Will a Bi-Annual Schedule Work?

The conclusion of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34 has left viewers buzzing about the show's future. Robert Irwin's victory and the record-breaking viewership highlight the program's immense popularity, particularly among younger generations. With the show's appeal to Gen Z contestants and audiences, discussions about reviving a bi-annual format have resurfaced. But could this work in today’s TV landscape?

Historically, the show aired two seasons per year until 2018. However, the shift to an annual schedule in Season 28 coincided with a drop in ratings and the rising popularity of other programs, like "American Idol." The executive producers, while acknowledging the allure of a bi-annual schedule, have emphasized the importance of maintaining the event-like status that the current once-a-year model provides. As Conrad Green noted, “You don’t want to overstay your welcome.” This sentiment resonates, especially when considering the show’s need to sustain peak performance from its contestants and dancers.

Although ratings have soared since the switch to a single season per year, the demand for more content and a potential results show, as suggested by Tom Bergeron, could be a way to maintain engagement without overwhelming audiences. However, balancing the increased social media-driven engagement and the logistical challenges of scheduling more seasons is a key issue that producers will need to address.

For now, the once-a-year format continues to thrive. Fans can expect another exciting season in 2026, with speculation already swirling around possible changes. But whatever direction the show takes, one thing remains certain: the anticipation for Season 35 will only continue to grow.

Sources:

• After Viral Year, Could Dancing With The Stars Air Twice A Year Again? ‘It Feels Like A Real Event’