“Dancing” is trending in the news because “Dancing With the Stars” has returned for Season 35 with strong premiere ratings, coverage of how to watch, and attention on contestant Taylor Hanson. The season opener drew 6.7 million viewers, making it the show’s best opener in six years. That was a 24% increase over the Season 34 premiere, which attracted 5.4 million viewers in 2025.
The return also prompted a guide to watching the competition online without cable. The season began with a two-night premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Alongside the ratings and viewing information, Hanson’s participation is generating coverage: the singer and musician described competing as very personal and said it is pushing him out of his comfort zone. Together, these stories put the show’s comeback and one contestant’s experience at the center of the current attention.
