Dancing With the Stars, the venerable ABC reality competition, has broken a decade-long drought in the prestigious Outstanding Reality Competition Series category, securing a coveted nomination for the 2026 Emmy Awards. This significant recognition, announced as part of the broader 78th Emmy nominations, marks the first time since 2016 that the ballroom staple has been recognized in the top-tier competition category, sparking widespread celebration among its cast, crew, and loyal fanbase. The show’s return to the Emmy main stage underscores its enduring appeal and the meticulous effort invested by its production team, particularly as it navigates its 20th year on air and prepares for its 34th season.
A Return to Prominence: The 2026 Emmy Nominations
The 2026 Emmy nominations brought a wave of renewed enthusiasm for Dancing With the Stars, which garnered a total of five nominations across various categories. Beyond the flagship Outstanding Reality Competition Series nod, the program also received nominations for Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program; Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program; Technical Direction/Camerawork for a Series; and Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Series. These craft nominations are a familiar territory for DWTS, which has historically been lauded for its technical prowess, intricate costume designs, elaborate sets, and innovative choreography. However, the inclusion in the primary competition series category signals a broader recognition of the show’s overall production quality, format execution, and entertainment value by the Television Academy.
For a series that has defined a genre and maintained a consistent presence on network television for two decades, this nomination is not merely an accolade but a testament to its sustained relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The show, which first premiered in 2005, quickly captivated audiences with its unique blend of celebrity culture, professional dance, and high-stakes competition. Its format, adapted from the British series Strictly Come Dancing, has been replicated globally, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon. Over its extensive run, Dancing With the Stars has provided a platform for hundreds of celebrities to challenge themselves, often revealing hidden talents and forging deep connections with their professional partners and the audience.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Craft and Competition
Dancing With the Stars has a rich history with the Emmy Awards, particularly in its earlier years. The show first earned nominations in the Outstanding Reality Competition Program category from 2006 to 2010, winning in 2008 for its sixth season. It continued to receive nominations in this category through 2016, securing a total of 10 nominations within that 11-year span. During this period, it frequently competed against other reality giants such as The Amazing Race (a perennial winner in the category), Project Runway, Top Chef, and American Idol. While it often faced stiff competition for the top prize, its consistent presence in the nomination list underscored its status as a leading program in the unscripted television genre.
Beyond the main competition, DWTS has accumulated a substantial number of craft awards and nominations, recognizing the extraordinary talent behind the scenes. Categories such as Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction, Outstanding Costumes, Outstanding Hairstyling, and Outstanding Makeup have frequently featured the show, leading to numerous wins over the years. This consistent recognition of its technical and artistic excellence has solidified its reputation as a benchmark for production quality in reality television. The recent nominations, including four craft nods alongside the main category, reinforce this long-standing tradition of excellence. The sheer scale of the production, involving live orchestras, elaborate stage designs, intricate lighting cues, and a constant rotation of costumes and makeup, demands a level of coordination and artistry that few other reality shows can match.
The decade-long gap in the main competition category nomination, from 2017 to 2025, prompted questions among industry observers regarding the show’s evolving perception within the Television Academy. While the series maintained strong viewership and continued to evolve its format, its absence from the top category suggested a shift in critical preference or perhaps a challenge in maintaining the same level of innovative impact as newer, often edgier, reality formats emerged. The return in 2026, therefore, signifies a powerful resurgence and a renewed acknowledgment of the show’s artistic and competitive integrity.
Leadership’s Gratitude and the "Labor of Love"
The news of the Emmy nomination was met with profound appreciation from the show’s leadership, who highlighted the collective effort and dedication required to produce such a long-running and intricate series. Conrad Green, the showrunner for Dancing With the Stars, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment. "It’s a huge honor for the show to be nominated again in the reality competition category," Green stated in a release shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "We have a very dedicated team who work extremely hard to make the best possible show, so we’re all delighted that the Television Academy has recognized this labor of love – particularly after 20 years on air! Special thanks go to our wonderful hosts and judges, our amazing dancers, the celebrities who put themselves on the line each season, and the many fans have supported us along the way."
Green’s reference to the nomination as recognition for a "labor of love" after two decades resonates deeply within the industry. Producing a live reality show with a weekly elimination format demands relentless creativity, technical precision, and logistical coordination. The show has seen multiple iterations, changes in hosts (including a move from ABC to Disney+ for one season before returning to ABC), and evolving celebrity casts, yet it has consistently delivered a high-quality entertainment product. This continuity and commitment to excellence, often overlooked in long-running series, appears to have captured the Academy’s attention once more.
Deena Katz, executive producer and head of casting for Dancing With the Stars, echoed Green’s sentiments, emphasizing the familial bond within the production. "To be recognized in our 34th season is an extraordinary honor and means the world to our entire Dancing With the Stars family," Katz added. "We are deeply grateful to the Television Academy for this recognition and to our amazing cast, crew, creative team, and loyal fans whose passion and support have made this journey possible." Katz’s role in casting has been pivotal to the show’s success, bringing in a diverse array of celebrities from various fields, each contributing their unique narrative and fan appeal to the competition. The ability to continually refresh the cast with compelling personalities, from athletes and actors to politicians and social media stars, has been a key factor in the show’s longevity.
Joy from the Ballroom: Dancers and Judges Celebrate
The excitement extended far beyond the executive offices, permeating the professional dance community and the show’s alumni. Many professional dancers, whose artistry is central to the show’s appeal, took to social media to express their elation. Alan Bersten, a prominent professional dancer on the show, encapsulated the collective sentiment in an Instagram post: "This is massive. I don’t think you understand how special this is!!! This show is finally getting the recognition it deserves!!" His words reflect a widespread belief among the cast that the show’s consistent quality and positive impact have long warranted such top-tier industry acknowledgment.
Witney Carson, the Season 34 Mirrorball champion, shared an impassioned message on her Instagram Story, articulating the unique value of DWTS. "I have been so excited all morning, so proud! Dancing With the Stars got an Emmy nomination. I really can’t think of a show that deserves it more, honestly, and I know I’m biased because I’m apart of it, but truly I feel like we’re one of the only reality series’ that promotes unity, camaraderie, positivity. We bring joy, we bring families together not apart, it’s such an amazing show to be apart of," Carson wrote. Her statement highlights a critical aspect of DWTS’s cultural resonance: its emphasis on uplifting stories, personal growth, and wholesome entertainment, often in stark contrast to other reality formats that thrive on conflict or drama.
Britt Stewart, another beloved professional dancer, reposted the nomination announcement, adding, "Absolutely amazing!! I’m so proud of my Dancing With the Stars family for this incredible recognition!! FINALLY! After 10 years I still can’t believe I’m part of such an amazing show." The recurring theme of "finally" underscores the sense of vindication and validation felt by those who dedicate their careers to the show.
The show’s judging panel and hosts also joined the chorus of celebration. Derek Hough, a multi-Emmy-winning choreographer and current judge, shared an Instagram video expressing his profound pride. "Huge congratulations to my Dancing With the Stars family on an absolutely incredible Emmy nomination. Guys, this is so well deserved, and honestly, it’s about time," Hough stated. "Being part of a show like this for 20 years that’s pure joy, pure entertainment, I couldn’t be more proud." Hough’s unique perspective, having transitioned from a celebrated professional dancer to a judge, provides an insider’s view of the rigorous demands and artistic commitment involved in the production.
Julianne Hough, former judge and current host, also celebrated the nod on her Instagram Story: "Truly an honor to see our show nominated for an Emmy! I am beyond thrilled that our family and team of individuals are receiving this recognition for all the hard work, creativity and passion they offer year after year! Dream team." Her journey from professional dancer to judge and now co-host alongside Alfonso Ribeiro exemplifies the show’s ability to nurture talent and maintain a strong sense of community.
Even Tom Bergeron, the show’s former longtime host who made a much-anticipated return as a guest judge in Season 34, offered his brief but impactful congratulations. He commented "Bravo!!" under ABC’s Instagram post, a concise endorsement from a figure synonymous with the show’s golden era. Bergeron’s continued support, despite his departure, further illustrates the deep bonds formed within the DWTS ecosystem.
The Enduring Impact and Cultural Significance
The renewed Emmy recognition for Dancing With the Stars comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise. In an age of fragmented viewership and streaming dominance, network reality shows face constant pressure to innovate and retain relevance. DWTS has consistently adapted, from incorporating diverse musical genres to embracing technological advancements in stage design and visual effects. Its move to Disney+ for its 31st season in 2022, a bold experiment in platform shifting, ultimately led to its return to ABC in a hybrid broadcast/streaming model, demonstrating its flexibility and broad appeal across different viewing habits.
The show’s emphasis on "unity, camaraderie, and positivity," as Witney Carson noted, sets it apart. In an entertainment landscape often criticized for its divisive narratives, DWTS offers a refreshing alternative that brings families together for communal viewing experiences. It celebrates personal triumph over adversity, the discipline of dance, and the joy of performance. Celebrities often share vulnerable moments, recounting personal struggles and finding catharsis through dance, creating powerful, inspiring narratives that resonate with millions. This positive reinforcement, coupled with high-stakes competition, creates a compelling formula that has proven remarkably resilient.
The Competition Ahead and Future Outlook
Dancing With the Stars faces formidable competition in the Outstanding Reality Competition Series category. It will vie for the Emmy against some of the most critically acclaimed and popular shows in the genre: RuPaul’s Drag Race, known for its cultural impact and consistent wins; Survivor, the pioneering strategic reality show; Top Chef, a perennial critical darling; and The Traitors, a breakout hit that has garnered significant buzz. Each of these programs brings unique strengths to the table, making the 78th Emmy Awards a highly anticipated event for reality television enthusiasts.
The 78th Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast live on Monday, September 14, on NBC, with a live stream available on Peacock. Mariska Hargitay has been announced as the host for the evening, adding another layer of anticipation to the event.
Beyond the immediate Emmy race, the Dancing With the Stars franchise is poised for further expansion. ABC is currently gearing up for the release of The Next Pro, the first official extension of the franchise. This spinoff series will serve as a competition to crown one aspiring dancer as the next professional to join the esteemed cast of Dancing With the Stars for its 35th season. This strategic expansion demonstrates a commitment to nurturing new talent and keeping the franchise vibrant and fresh. The Emmy nomination provides invaluable momentum for The Next Pro, elevating the profile of the entire brand and signaling a renewed era of prestige for the ballroom phenomenon.
The return of Dancing With the Stars to the top Emmy category after a decade is more than just an award nomination; it is a powerful affirmation of its enduring quality, cultural significance, and the unwavering dedication of its vast "family." As the show approaches its two-decade milestone, this recognition injects new energy and confidence into a franchise that continues to bring joy, inspiration, and spectacular dance to audiences worldwide.
