Dancing With the Stars has always been more than a dance show—it’s a cultural barometer, a mirror reflecting the shifting tides of celebrity, social media, and the entertainment industry’s ever-evolving priorities. Season 35, with its eclectic mix of stars and a new spinoff, is no exception. What makes this season particularly fascinating is how it blends the old and new, the scandalous and the glamorous, the viral and the timeless. Personally, I think this lineup is a masterclass in storytelling, but also a reflection of how the entertainment world is now built on a foundation of drama, digital presence, and calculated brand management.
Ciara Miller’s return to the ballroom is a case study in how reality TV scandals can become career catalysts. Her involvement in Summer House—a show that’s been a hotbed of drama for years—has made her a household name, but her casting on Dancing With the Stars feels like a strategic move. The showrunners, including Conrad Green, have always understood that controversy can be a selling point. Yet, what many people don’t realize is that Miller’s inclusion isn’t just about ratings; it’s about proving that even in a world of social media drama, there’s still room for redemption and reinvention. From my perspective, this is a reminder that the line between reality TV and entertainment is increasingly blurred, and the show is capitalizing on that.
Maura Higgins, on the other hand, represents a different kind of star. A second-runner-up on The Traitors, she’s a symbol of the modern reality star—someone who’s built their brand on authenticity and relatability. Her casting on Dancing With the Stars is a bold bet, but it also highlights a trend: the show is now targeting audiences who are hungry for fresh faces, not just established icons. Higgins’ journey from Love Island to the ballroom is a testament to how the entertainment industry is now more about visibility than pedigree. What this really suggests is that the show is evolving to cater to a generation that values digital presence and narrative-driven careers over traditional stardom.
Jackson Olson’s inclusion as a sports star is another telling detail. His transition from baseball to the ballroom is a metaphor for the modern celebrity—someone who’s built their identity through social media and content creation. The show’s decision to bring in athletes isn’t just about diversity; it’s about appealing to a demographic that’s increasingly drawn to the intersection of athleticism and performance. This choice also speaks to the show’s ability to adapt, leveraging the success of previous seasons that blended sports and dance. What this implies is that the show is now more than a dance competition; it’s a platform for storytelling that mirrors the real-world lives of its stars.
The new spinoff, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, is a bold experiment. It’s not just about finding the next pro dancer—it’s about redefining what it means to be a pro on the show. The showrunner’s comments about the skills required for the pros—choreography, time management, social media savvy—highlight a shift in the industry. The show is now not just about dancing but about navigating the pressures of fame, which is a fascinating evolution. Personally, I think this is a sign that the show is preparing for a future where the line between reality and performance is even more fluid.
What this season of Dancing With the Stars reveals is a deeper truth: the show is no longer just about the dance. It’s about the people, the drama, the digital age, and the ever-changing landscape of celebrity. The cast of Season 35 is a microcosm of that world—a blend of scandal, social media, and the relentless pursuit of visibility. As the show moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it continues to balance the old magic of dance with the new realities of fame. In the end, this season is a reminder that the best shows are those that reflect the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.
