DWTS’ Jenna Johnson, Val Chmerkovskiy Tease Twists They Want to See After 2-Night Season 35 Premiere
The landscape of primetime reality television is undergoing a significant transformation, and at the heart of this evolution is the long-running juggernaut Dancing With the Stars. As the production prepares for a massive two-night premiere to launch its 35th season, professional dancers Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy are looking beyond the traditional ballroom floor, advocating for ambitious new formats and experimental venue choices that could further cement the show’s status as a cultural touchstone. Their vision for the future comes at a time when the show has experienced a massive resurgence in popularity, bolstered by strategic programming choices and a fresh influx of talent that has effectively bridged the gap between legacy viewers and a younger, social-media-savvy demographic.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Milestone Season
Season 35 represents a significant watershed moment for the franchise, but it carries even deeper personal significance for Jenna Johnson, who is currently celebrating her 10th anniversary as a professional dancer on the show. Having joined the production at the age of 19, Johnson has essentially grown up within the confines of the ABC studios, transitioning from a newcomer to a veteran lead. In recent interviews, she reflected on the symbiotic relationship between her own professional maturation and the evolution of the program.
The infrastructure of Dancing With the Stars—spanning from the production team and camera operators to the specialized glam and wardrobe departments—has served as a foundational support system for Johnson. She credits these long-standing relationships with fostering an environment where creative risk-taking is not only permitted but encouraged. As she looks toward the next decade of her career, Johnson describes a renewed sense of artistic urgency. She is not merely interested in maintaining the status quo; she is actively pushing for creative expansion, including the possibility of hosting an entire episode at the iconic Hollywood Bowl. While she acknowledges the logistical and technical hurdles inherent in such a production, she maintains that the current momentum of the show makes such an endeavor entirely feasible.
Val Chmerkovskiy and the Evolution of the Ballroom
Val Chmerkovskiy, a pillar of the series since his debut in season 2, offers a perspective rooted in both deep history and a forward-looking mindset. Throughout his tenure, Chmerkovskiy has witnessed the show transition from a niche ballroom competition into a sprawling multimedia brand. His commitment to the franchise remains unwavering, and he asserts that his passion for the work is as potent today as it was nearly two decades ago.
Chmerkovskiy observes that the show has effectively “exploded into the center of culture,” noting that it has successfully transitioned into a primary topic of conversation across generational divides. This cultural saturation, he argues, is a testament to the show’s ability to adapt. For Chmerkovskiy, the goal is not just to sustain the ratings, but to continue to innovate within the medium of live performance television. He has expressed a desire to see the show continue to pivot away from non-traditional casting—such as the inclusion of high-profile political figures—in favor of participants who can fully embrace the technical rigor and emotional vulnerability that the ballroom demands.
Cross-Network Synergy: The RJ Decker Crossover
The ambition to expand the Dancing With the Stars brand is clearly visible in the recent collaboration with the ABC series RJ Decker. During an exclusive set visit, Johnson and Chmerkovskiy discussed their recent cameo appearance, which required them to execute a complex dance sequence under significant time constraints. Despite their already demanding rehearsal schedules for the main competition, the couple treated the opportunity as a vital creative outlet.
The crossover was more than a promotional stunt; it served as a practical demonstration of the versatility of the show’s professional roster. For Johnson, the experience was particularly rewarding because it allowed her to witness former partners, such as Joey Graziadei, translate the discipline learned on the ballroom floor into the craft of acting. This cross-pollination of talent highlights a broader strategy by ABC to unify its primetime schedule, creating a cohesive viewing experience that encourages audience retention across disparate genres, ranging from investigative dramas to high-energy reality competitions.
Data and Trends: The Mechanics of a Resurgence
The success of the most recent cycles of Dancing With the Stars can be quantified by a notable uptick in viewer engagement and digital footprint. Industry analysts have pointed to the integration of streaming platforms like Disney+ as a key factor in the show’s demographic shift. By moving to a multi-platform release strategy, the production has effectively captured a global audience that prefers on-demand consumption, a necessary adaptation in an era where linear television ratings have faced consistent decline.
Furthermore, the expansion of the franchise—specifically with spin-offs like The Next Pro—indicates a long-term investment by the network in the intellectual property. These initiatives not only provide fresh content for viewers but also create a developmental pipeline for new choreographers and dancers, ensuring that the core product remains vibrant and competitive. The professional dancers themselves are increasingly seen as the face of the brand, moving beyond their roles as mere instructors to become brand ambassadors who represent the high-stakes, high-glamour aesthetic that the network intends to project.
Implications for Future Programming
The enthusiasm voiced by Johnson and Chmerkovskiy for larger, more ambitious productions at venues like the Hollywood Bowl speaks to a broader industry trend toward "event-level" television. In a crowded marketplace, networks are increasingly looking for ways to elevate reality programming from a weekly routine to a "must-watch" spectacle. By incorporating off-site locations, complex technical challenges, and high-budget production values, shows like Dancing With the Stars are successfully differentiating themselves from lower-budget competitors.
Moreover, the emphasis on a "family-oriented" production environment—as highlighted by Johnson—plays a critical role in the show’s longevity. A high-turnover rate for staff and talent can often lead to a loss of institutional knowledge, but by maintaining a core group of long-term professionals who view the show as a creative home, the production is able to maintain a consistent quality of performance. This stability is essential when the show is attempting to integrate new, experimental elements into its format.
The Path Forward: Season 35 and Beyond
As the countdown to the season 35 premiere continues, the focus remains on the balance between tradition and innovation. The two-night premiere, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 15, is being positioned as a launchpad for this new era. The decision to air on both ABC and Disney+ ensures that the reach of the season will be maximized, providing the platform for the "twists" and "ambitious ideas" that the professional cast has been teasing.
Ultimately, the goal for the production is to remain the "water cooler conversation" for the foreseeable future. Whether through the inclusion of more demanding choreography, the exploration of iconic performance venues, or the continued cross-platform integration with other network hits, the message from the cast is clear: they believe they are only just beginning to reach the full potential of what the franchise can offer. As they move forward, the collaboration between the seasoned veterans and the production team will likely determine whether the show can sustain its current trajectory or if it will need to reinvent itself yet again to stay ahead of the curve.
For fans of the series, the promise of a more expansive, daring season is a welcome development. It signals that even after three and a half decades on the air, the fundamental appeal of the show—the transformation of the human spirit through the art of dance—remains as compelling as ever. With the support of a network that clearly values the brand’s cultural impact, the dancers are poised to continue their work, with many, like Chmerkovskiy, suggesting that there are decades of potential still left to explore in the ballroom.
