**Dancing with the Stars Celebrates Emmy Nomination After a Decade Hiatus**
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Dancing with the Stars has made a triumphant return to the Emmy nominations list, marking its first recognition for Outstanding Reality Competition Program since 2016. The announcement came on July 8, 2026, when the long-standing ABC series not only received this coveted nomination but also garnered four additional nods in various technical categories.
This exciting nomination aligns with the programme’s remarkable 34th season, which has recorded the highest ratings the show has seen in the last ten years. The season culminated in a thrilling finale in which Robert Irwin and professional dancer Witney Carson claimed the prestigious Mirrorball Trophy, delighting fans who cast an astounding 72 million votes during the finale alone. Throughout the season, nearly half a billion votes were submitted, showcasing the enduring popularity of the series.
Dancing with the Stars debuted in 2005 and has since built an impressive legacy, accumulating a total of over 132 Emmy nominations and achieving 21 wins across its history. However, in recent times, the majority of these accolades have been in technical and creative categories, rather than the prominent Outstanding Reality Competition Program.
The show’s resurgence in recognition comes in a competitive field, competing against other popular series such as RuPaul’s Drag Race, Survivor, Top Chef, and The Traitors. The diversity of this year’s nominees highlights the growing demand for high-quality reality television while also showcasing the ability of established series to continue capturing audience attention.
Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, season 34 featured an eclectic mix of contestants, including athletes and celebrities from various backgrounds. Alongside Irwin, the cast included notable figures such as Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, Danielle Fishel, and Hilaria Baldwin. The star-studded lineup contributed to a vibrant competition that delighted audiences and filled the dance floor with excitement.
In a pre-nomination interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Conrad Green expressed optimism about the chances of receiving this recognition once again. He emphasised the unique live production quality of the series, likening it to prestigious shows such as Saturday Night Live in terms of the level of excellence required week after week. “There’s very little production of this level on television,” Green remarked, highlighting the ambitious nature of the show.
As excitement builds ahead of the upcoming season, Dancing with the Stars is gearing up for its milestone 35th season, which will premiere this autumn. Additionally, the show’s first spinoff, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, is set to launch on July 13, featuring 12 aspiring ballroom dancers vying for a chance to join the main series as professional dancers.
Four celebrity participants have already been announced for the new season, with Summer House star Ciara Miller, The Traitors runner-up Maura Higgins, Savannah Bananas personality Jackson Olson, and Guillermo Rodriguez from Jimmy Kimmel Live! confirmed to take part. The remaining contestants and their professional dance partners will be unveiled on September 2 during a segment on Good Morning America.
The return of Dancing with the Stars, both to the Emmy nominations and to the screen for its 35th season, illustrates the ongoing evolution and vitality of reality competition programming. As this beloved series continues to capture the hearts of viewers, its rich history and promising future signal that the dancefloor remains a vibrant space for competition and creativity.