# DWTS: The Next Pro ratings surge > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dancing-with-the-stars-the-next-pro > Updated: 2026-08-24T17:46:17.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 6. The spin‑off premiered on 13 July 2026, opening with a double‑elimination of Briar Nolet and Jake Monreal and offering free live streaming via trial subscriptions. Early episodes featured a “Stories Without Words” challenge, solid U.S. viewership that topped the week‑of‑13‑19 July reality‑TV ratings, and a minor controversy when veteran pro Val Chmerkovskiy criticized AJ Pritchard. As of the 16 July Nielsen update, ABC had not announced a renewal, leaving the series’ future dependent on its ratings performance. In late July, a rehearsal accident on the 27 July episode left contestant Natalie Jolley with a black eye and concussion after being struck by Stephani Sosa; medical staff deemed her unfit to continue and she was removed, prompting guest judge Britt Stewart to stress the importance of spatial awareness in group routines. Episode 4 aired on 3 August with two‑time Mirrorball champion Jenna Johnson joining as guest judge and mentor. The eight remaining couples performed the Rumba and Argentine Tango, and the lowest‑scoring pair was eliminated. ABC has yet to confirm a second season, with the decision tied to ongoing viewership trends. By 24 August, the competition reached the semifinal round with four contestants remaining: AJ Pritchard, Adele Zaikman, Selena Hamilton, and Allen Genkin. For this episode, the competitors were paired with professional dancers Rylee Arnold, Gleb Savchenko, Jan Ravnik, and Witney Carson, while two-time Mirrorball champion Kym Johnson joined as a guest judge to assist in selecting finalists for the upcoming finale. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro semifinals air tonight The semifinals of ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ air tonight on ABC, featuring guest judge Kym Johnson and the final four contestants competing for a spot in the finale. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dancing-with-the-stars-the-next-pro-semifinals-air-tonight ### 2026-08-03: Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro features Jenna Johnson and a contestant injury The Next Pro aired with guest judge Jenna Johnson; earlier, contestant Natalie Jolley was injured in a rehearsal accident and eliminated. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dancing-with-the-stars-the-next-pro-features-jenna-johnson-and-a-contestant-injury ### 2026-07-25: Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro draws strong US TV ratings The DWTS spin‑off ‘The Next Pro’ posted strong US ratings for the week of July 13‑19, while veteran pro Val Chmerkovskiy called out AJ Pritchard’s perceived arrogance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dancing-with-the-stars-the-next-pro-draws-strong-us-tv-ratings ### 2026-07-20: Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro episode 2 airs on ABC Episode 2 of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro aired July 20, 2026, challenging contestants to tell personal stories through dance; free streaming trials and next‑day Disney+/Hulu access were offered. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dancing-with-the-stars-the-next-pro-episode-2-airs-on-abc ### 2026-07-15: Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro faces uncertain renewal after mixed ratings ABC's Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, hosted by Robert Irwin, has not been cancelled or renewed as of July 2026, pending rating outcomes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dancing-with-the-stars-the-next-pro-faces-uncertain-renewal-after-mixed-ratings ### 2026-07-13: DWTS: The Next Pro premieres, Mark Ballas judges and first dancers eliminated DWTS: The Next Pro debuted July 13 on ABC, hosted by Robert Irwin with judges Mark and Shirley Ballas. Twelve dancers competed in Brisbane; Briar Nolet and Jake Monreal were the first to go. The show streams on 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mark-ballas-previews-new-dancing-with-the-stars-the-next-pro-spinoff --- Cite as: DWTS: The Next Pro ratings surge. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dancing-with-the-stars-the-next-pro