Show Notes
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Cast Preview
Also available on YouTube.
Dancing with the Stars returns for its milestone Season 35, and the panel is ready to break down this star-packed cast. Matt Liguori, Sasha Joseph, and Brandon Donlon, as they preview all 16 pairs, dive into the revamped premiere format, and draft the celebrities most and least likely to take home the Mirrorball Trophy. With a mix of nostalgia, dance experience debates, and social media strategy, this episode sets the stage for a memorable new season.
The discussion kicks off with the Season 35 cast reveal, addressing the unusual two-night premiere and speculation over separate nights for male and female celebrities. The hosts analyze leaked format details, guest casting surprises, and the impact of popular reality TV personalities on fan voting. Casting choices for pros come under scrutiny, with attention to Britt Stewart's partner and the much-discussed absence of Gleb. The must-lose draft format provides a fresh angle, as each host selects the pairings they believe will fall short of winning, sparking spirited debate over social followings, dance history, and reality TV crossover appeal.
Highlights include:
Lively reactions to food network star Giada De Laurentiis’ inclusion and injury storyline
The strategic impact of same-sex pairings, notably Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills, and what it means for new pros
Analysis on Conner Leavitt’s Broadway background versus fandom strength for the Levitt siblings
Britt Stewart’s continued search for a finale-worthy partner, this year with Taylor Hanson
Debates on dancers versus celebs, as Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Dewan take slots with high dance credentials
As the panel weighs nostalgia, social trends, and on-the-dancefloor abilities, the path to the finale is anything but set. Will fan bases or technical prowess decide the next Mirrorball champion? How will the new format and casting shake up classic show dynamics?
Jump in for a season preview that mixes roster deep-dives, reality TV cross-pollination, and sharp takes on everything from TikTok strategy to surprising early injuries. Listen now for DWTS Season 35 insights you won’t find anywhere else.
00:00 DWTS 35 Season Launch06:06 Hosts Debate Casting Strength12:18 "Must Lose" Draft Explained15:00 Giada De Laurentiis Chosen First20:12 Same-Sex Pairing Picked Early28:07 Conner Leavitt Draft Doubts34:13 Tatyana Ali Picked for Elimination41:00 Taylor Hanson and Britt Drafted48:16 Guillermo and Whitney Discussed52:36 Connor Wood’s TikTok Stans Noted56:48 Amber Glenn: Dark Horse Debate1:02:18 Tyler Cameron’s Relevance Questioned1:06:34 Ciara Miller’s Vote Concerns1:11:27 Maura Higgins’ High Variance Team1:15:21 Dancers Harry and Jenna Risked1:21:18 Finale Contenders: Jenna vs. Harry1:28:50 Julia Stiles Versus Jackson Olson1:35:01 Jackson Olson Moves to Audience1:41:56 Weekly Coverage Plans Outlined
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