# DWTS season 35 opens with the men

> The ballroom returned with a two-night premiere built to give all 16 couples their own spotlight.
- Title: DWTS season 35 opens with the men · The Hollywood Reporter
- Summary: The ballroom returned with a two-night premiere built to give all 16 couples their own spotlight. Season 35 began with the eight male celebrities performing…
- Keywords: dancing with the stars, season 35, premiere, male celebrities, female celebrities, abc, disney, celebrity dancers, dance partners, two-night premiere, DWTS, season
- Source: The Hollywood Reporter — https://hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/dwts-season-35-premiere-male-celebs-scores-elimination-1236702395
- Author: McKinley Franklin
- Published: 2026-09-15T23:58:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dancing with the stars, season 35, premiere, male celebrities, female celebrities, abc, disney, celebrity dancers, dance partners, two-night premiere
## The ballroom is back
Dancing With the Stars returned for season 35 with a special two-night premiere.

> Dancing With the Stars is finally back for season 35
## Spoilers are ahead
The premiere coverage includes results from the opening night, so readers are warned before the recap begins.

> This story contains spoilers
## Night one belongs to men
The first episode focused on the eight male celebrities and their professional dance partners.

> eight male celebrities performing on Tuesday night
## Women dance next
The eight women celebrities are scheduled for the second half of the premiere on Wednesday night.

> the eight women celebrities will follow on Wednesday night
## Every couple gets space
With 16 competing pairs, the split format gives each celebrity and pro partner more room in the premiere.

> get time to shine
## Key takeaway

Season 35 began with the eight male celebrities performing first, before the women take the floor on night two.