It's tiiiiiiiime. And honestly, that's the only warning you need for the glitter-soaked, spray-tan-heavy chaos that is Dancing with the Stars Season 35. The show has always thrived on a very specific kind of glamour: the kind that involves sequins at 10 a.m. and a straight face while a judge tells you your cha-cha lacked "attack." We love it. We mock it. We clear our calendars for it. This season promises more of that delicious tension between athleticism and absolute absurdity, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way.
Look, we've seen this rodeo before. But that's exactly why we keep coming back. DWTS is the rare reality show that understands the assignment: take a pop culture icon, put them in a costume that costs more than a used car, and ask them to master a dance style they've never heard of, all while smiling through the pain. It's not about perfection. It's about the moment the celebrity forgets the routine and just starts vibing. That's the magic. That's the relatable glamour. It's like when you show up to a fancy event, trip on the hem of your gown, and just own it with a laugh. The judges might give you a six, but the people at home give you a ten for confidence.
This season, we're also seeing the ripple effect of the show's interconnected universe. If you've been keeping up, you know that the drama doesn't stop when the music does. We've got the whole ecosystem of pro dancers, their famous partners, and the inevitable backstage romances. It's a full-blown celebrity ecosystem that rivals any Ryan Murphy casting call. Speaking of which, if you're new to the chaos, you might want to check out our guide to Ryan Murphy's Universe: A Guide to the Famous Faces You Know to see how these same faces keep popping up everywhere. And let's not forget the pros themselves. We're still not over the story of DWTS' Rylee Arnold's Boyfriend: A BYU Football Love Story, which is literally the cutest thing we've seen all year, and honestly, it gives us hope that love still exists in the land of fake tans and spray-on muscles.
Our honest take? Don't take it too seriously. The show is at its best when it leans into the joyful mess of it all. The real winners are the ones who understand the assignment: be confident, be a little silly, and never apologize for loving the chaos. If you're watching just for the technique, you're missing the point. Watch for the moments when a celebrity looks terrified and then pulls off a lift they clearly practiced way too many times in the hotel lobby. That's the good stuff. That's the content we're here for. And if you need a palate cleanser from all the ballroom drama, just remember that somewhere out there, someone is still trying to figure out how three farmers ended up on a beach together in Survivor's "Open Era" Kicks Off: Three Farmers, One Island, Pure Chaos. Different network, same energy.
So here's the concrete thing to watch: the first week is always a mess, but the real tell is who's still having fun by week three. If the sparkle in their eye matches the sparkle on their costume, we're in for a great season. If they start crying before the first commercial break, well, that's also great television. Either way, we're watching. The only question is whether the judges will ever learn to give a ten without looking like they just bit into a lemon. Don't hold your breath.