Ronny Sianturi
Dancing With the Stars is once again vying for television’s highest honor, celebrating a significant return to the Emmy race with a nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Series. This marks the first time in ten years that the long-running ABC reality juggernaut has been recognized in this prestigious category, igniting a wave of excitement and pride among its dedicated cast, crew, and legions of fans. The nomination, revealed as part of the 2026 Emmy nominations, signifies a notable achievement for a show that has continuously evolved over its extensive run.
A Decade’s Wait and Renewed Recognition
The Television Academy’s acknowledgment of Dancing With the Stars in the Outstanding Reality Competition Series category for the 2026 Emmy Awards closes a decade-long gap since its last nomination in 2016. While the show has consistently garnered nominations in various craft categories over the years, including technical achievements in lighting, hairstyling, and makeup, its absence from the top reality competition race had been noted by industry observers. This year’s nomination not only rectifies that oversight but also underscores the enduring appeal and production quality of the series, which is now in its 34th season.
The timing of this nomination is particularly poignant, arriving after two decades on air. It serves as a testament to the show’s ability to adapt, innovate, and consistently deliver compelling entertainment. The nominations announced for the 2026 Emmy Awards paint a comprehensive picture of the television landscape, with Dancing With the Stars now standing alongside other formidable contenders in its category.
Showrunner and Producer Reactions: A Labor of Love Recognized
The news of the Emmy nomination was met with enthusiastic responses from the show’s creative leadership, who emphasized the collaborative effort and passion that drives the series.
Conrad Green, the showrunner of Dancing With the Stars, expressed his profound honor in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s a huge honor for the show to be nominated again in the reality competition category," Green stated. "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!" He extended special gratitude to the show’s hosts, judges, professional dancers, celebrity contestants, and the supportive fanbase, acknowledging their integral roles in the show’s success.
Deena Katz, executive producer and head of casting, echoed Green’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of the recognition in the show’s 34th season. "To be recognized in our 34th season is an extraordinary honor and means the world to our entire Dancing With the Stars family," Katz remarked. "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." Her statement underscored the deep-seated connection the production team feels towards the show and its community.
Cast and Crew Euphoria: Social Media Buzz
The excitement surrounding the nomination quickly spilled over onto social media platforms, with professional dancers and other cast members sharing their joy and pride.
Professional dancer Alan Bersten took to Instagram to express his elation, initially commenting, "This is massive," on ABC’s joint celebratory post. He later elaborated on his Instagram Story, emphasizing the significance of the recognition: "I don’t think you understand how special this is!!! This show is finally getting the recognition it deserves!!" His words reflected a widespread sentiment among the show’s performers, who often speak of the show as a family.
Witney Carson, a Mirrorball champion from season 34, also shared her enthusiastic reaction via Instagram Story. "I have been so excited all morning, so proud! Dancing With the Stars got an Emmy nomination," she wrote. Carson passionately defended the show’s positive impact, stating, "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." Her perspective highlights the show’s perceived role in fostering positive social connections and emotional well-being among its viewers.
Britt Stewart, another professional dancer, echoed this sentiment of pride and long-awaited recognition. "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," she posted on her Instagram Story, emphasizing the decade-long wait since the last nomination in this category.
Judges and Former Stalwarts Weigh In
The Emmy nod also resonated with the show’s current and former judges, who have played pivotal roles in shaping its on-screen narrative and judging the contestants’ performances.
Judge Derek Hough, a veteran of the show for two decades, shared his pride in an Instagram video. "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. He further elaborated on the show’s enduring appeal: "Being part of a show like this for 20 years that’s pure joy, pure entertainment, I couldn’t be more proud." His long tenure provides a unique perspective on the show’s consistent quality and impact.
Julianne Hough, a former judge who has transitioned to hosting duties, also celebrated the nomination 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," she wrote, praising the collective efforts of the show’s personnel.
Tom Bergeron, the show’s beloved former longtime host, who made a guest appearance as a judge in season 34, offered his support with a simple yet emphatic "Bravo!!" under ABC’s congratulatory Instagram post. His continued engagement with the show, even after his departure, speaks to the lasting bonds formed during his tenure.
A Multifaceted Emmy Campaign: Beyond the Top Category
The nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Series is the crown jewel of Dancing With the Stars‘ Emmy campaign this year, but it is not the only one. The show secured a total of five nominations, showcasing its comprehensive excellence across various production disciplines.
The full list of nominations for Dancing With the Stars includes:
- Outstanding Reality Competition Series
- Outstanding Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program
- Outstanding Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program
- Outstanding Technical Direction/Camerawork for a Series
- Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Series
These craft nominations are a crucial element of the Emmy Awards, recognizing the intricate technical and artistic contributions that elevate a production. For Dancing With the Stars, these nods highlight the show’s consistent commitment to high production values, from the visual artistry of its makeup and hair teams to the precision of its technical and lighting departments. The cumulative effect of these nominations underscores the depth of talent and dedication involved in bringing the spectacle of the ballroom to life week after week.
A Look at the Competition and the Future of the Franchise
In the fiercely competitive Outstanding Reality Competition Series category, Dancing With the Stars faces formidable rivals. The other nominees include:
- RuPaul’s Drag Race
- Survivor
- Top Chef
- The Traitors
This lineup represents some of the most enduring and critically acclaimed unscripted series currently on television. Each nominee brings a unique format and fan base, making the race for the Emmy a compelling one. The inclusion of The Traitors reflects the growing popularity of strategy-based competition shows, while Survivor and Top Chef are perennial powerhouses in the category, boasting decades of consistent quality and numerous previous wins. RuPaul’s Drag Race continues its reign as a cultural phenomenon, consistently pushing creative boundaries.
The Emmy nomination arrives as ABC and the Dancing With the Stars franchise are looking towards future expansion. The network is preparing for the launch of The Next Pro, the first official extension of the Dancing With the Stars brand. This highly anticipated spinoff aims to discover and crown the next professional dancer to join the esteemed cast of Dancing With the Stars season 35, signaling a commitment to nurturing new talent and broadening the franchise’s reach. This initiative further solidifies the show’s legacy and its enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
The Road to the 78th Emmy Awards
The 78th Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to broadcast live on Monday, September 14, on NBC, with simultaneous streaming on Peacock. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by the acclaimed actress Mariska Hargitay, known for her iconic role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The event promises to be a night of celebration for the television industry, recognizing outstanding achievements across a wide spectrum of genres and platforms.
For Dancing With the Stars, the nomination is not just an acknowledgment of past achievements but also a powerful endorsement of its ongoing relevance and creative vitality. The show’s resurgence in the Emmy race after a decade signifies a renewed appreciation for its unique blend of athleticism, artistry, and heartwarming human stories. As the competition unfolds, the Dancing With the Stars family will undoubtedly be watching with bated breath, celebrating the recognition of their collective hard work and the enduring magic of the ballroom. The show’s journey back into the Emmy spotlight is a compelling narrative in itself, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of television entertainment.
