Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the Stars has maintained a steady Annual rhythm for 19 years, typically returning in September. Initially, the series operated on a biannual cycle, airing both spring and fall installments to satisfy immense audience demand after its 2005 summer debut. This high-frequency schedule solidified the program as a cornerstone of the ABC network, consistently anchoring the Monday night lineup for over a decade before transitioning to a single annual fall event in recent years.

The show's historical broadcast trajectory reflects its status as a resilient television institution, surviving shifts in host lineups and a temporary move to Disney+ before returning to a simultaneous network and streaming release. Since 2022, the series has settled into a reliable September premiere window, aligning with the traditional fall television season. This consistency has allowed the ballroom competition to remain a cultural touchstone, reaching its 35th season in 2026 while continuing to draw millions of viewers to its live performance format.