

Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro
2026 · ABC · 60 min · 1 season
S01E08 · The Final Step: Finale with Derek Hough and Witney Carson
Tue, 1 Sept, 10:00 am
The final three perform with former "Dancing with the Stars" finalists Charli D'Amelio, Nev Schulman and Adam Rippon to win the title of "Next Pro." Witney Carson will serve as co-host with Robert Irwin, and Derek Hough will guest judge.
About
Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro features up-and-coming professional dancers who live in a house together and compete in a grueling audition process. The winner will land a coveted spot as a pro dancer on the next season of Dancing with the Stars.
Episodes
- E01
The Journey Begins: Technique with Derek Hough
Tue, 14 July· 61 minHost Robert Irwin challenges 12 exceptional dancers to the ultimate audition for a pro spot on "Dancing with the Stars." Judges Shirley Ballas, Mark Ballas and Derek Hough test jive and samba techniques, with the weakest pair eliminated.
- E02
Stories Without Words: Storytelling with Brandon Armstrong
Tue, 21 July· 60 minThe remaining 10 dancers must bring a personal story to life through dance. Mentored by Brandon Armstrong, they pair up to showcase connection, vulnerability and partnership. As pressure mounts, those who fail to connect risk elimination.
- E03
You're Only as Strong as Your Weakest Link: Group Work with Britt Stewart
Tue, 28 July· 60 minThe remaining dancers face one of the toughest "Dancing with the Stars" challenges: a group performance. Mentored by Britt Stewart, they must master a high-intensity routine in just hours, putting teamwork, timing and resilience to the test.
- E04
Bring on the Intensity: Chemistry with Jenna Johnson
Tue, 4 Aug· 60 minChampion Jenna Johnson challenges the eight couples to create a passionate routine that builds trust and chemistry while tackling the Rumba and Argentine Tango. For the first time, they choose partners, but the lowest-scoring pair will be eliminated.
- E05
"Wow" Moments with Daniella Karagach
Tue, 11 Aug· 60 minThe dancers must create unforgettable "wow" moments by incorporating one of Daniella Karagach's signature moves into a viral-worthy routine. Then, they visit the Australia Zoo for inspiration from the power and agility of animals in nature.
- E06
But Can You Teach? Coaching Superfans with Witney Carson
Tue, 18 Aug· 60 minWitney Carson joins to push dancers to face their toughest challenge yet, teaching ballroom novices. Paired with "Dancing with the Stars" superfans, they have just two days to prepare a performance as they compete for a spot in the semifinals.
- E07
Paired with the Pros: Semi-Finals with Kym Johnson
Tue, 25 Aug· 60 minThe final four team up with "Dancing with the Stars" pros Rylee Arnold, Gleb Savchenko, Jan Ravnik and Witney Carson for two semifinal rounds, competing for a place in the finale. Two-time Mirrorball champion Kym Johnson joins as guest judge.
- E08
The Final Step: Finale with Derek Hough and Witney Carson
Tue, 1 Sept· 60 minThe final three perform with former "Dancing with the Stars" finalists Charli D'Amelio, Nev Schulman and Adam Rippon to win the title of "Next Pro." Witney Carson will serve as co-host with Robert Irwin, and Derek Hough will guest judge.
Cast

Robert Irwin
Host

Mark Ballas
Judge

Shirley Ballas
Judge







