Dancing with the Stars 32 Unveils New Photos of Co-Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough
ABC has released new official photos of the Dancing with the Stars co-hosts for season 32. The upcoming season pairs returning host Alfonso Ribeiro with former DWTS professional and judge Julianne Hough. The images, shared by the network on its press site, highlight the new presenting dynamic and mark a notable shift in hosting duties from prior seasons.
Julianne Hough steps into the co-host role following the departure of three-season host Tyra Banks, who left the series earlier this year. This season Alfonso returns as the principal host while Julianne will assume the skybox interviews and backstage segments. Last season Alfonso and Tyra split responsibilities differently, with Alfonso handling skybox interviews; the new arrangement places Julianne in that elevated role while Alfonso spends more time on the floor with the contestants and judges.
Why ABC/Disney Is Holding Back the Dancing with the Stars 32 Premiere Date, Which Is Likely September 26
Industry sources suggest the season premiere is likely Tuesday, September 26, though ABC has not officially announced a date. DWTS insider Kristyn Burtt has referenced that date, and it has appeared on some regional listings, increasing speculation. The delay in a formal announcement may be driven by the broader disruption to television scheduling caused by the Writers and Screen Actors Guild strikes; networks are keeping flexibility in their lineups until production and programming uncertainties settle.
The strikes have already prompted schedule adjustments across several networks, and executives may be reluctant to lock in premiere dates until they are confident no further changes are necessary. For viewers eager for confirmation, industry reporting points to late September as the return window, but fans should watch for an official release from ABC in the weeks ahead.
Dancing with the Stars returns to ABC after spending its previous season exclusively on Disney+. That shift back to broadcast may reflect the current demand for reliable unscripted programming as scripted production schedules remain unpredictable. For audiences, the show will air on ABC and Disney+ simultaneously on the East Coast, with episodes available the following day on Hulu for on-demand streaming.
Dancing with the Stars Will Air This Fall on ABC and Disney+
The judging panel for season 32 will return largely intact: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli are set to continue as judges. The show will acknowledge the absence of former head judge Len Goodman, who passed away in April after battling bone cancer. Goodman had officially retired at the end of season 31, and the show has paid tribute to his decades-long contribution to the series and the wider dance community.
As always, the series will feature professional dancers paired with celebrity contestants, and DWTS fans can expect the usual mix of competitive ballroom and contemporary routines, judge feedback, and the seasonal storylines that accompany each cast. The return to broadcast TV alongside streaming availability is likely to broaden access and viewership for the new season.
DWTS has also released a short promo on social media to build anticipation for the new season and to showcase the chemistry between Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. The network’s photography and promotional materials emphasize a polished, energetic presentation as the show prepares for its fall run.
Dancing with the Stars 32 Photo Gallery
Fans eager for cast and pro-dancer spoilers should keep an eye on official announcements as ABC reveals contestant lineups and the full roster of professionals. Until the network confirms a premiere date, expect additional promotional photos and teasers to arrive in the coming weeks as the show ramps up promotional activity for season 32.