This nomination represents a full-circle moment for Dancing With the Stars, validating years of creative evolution andformat changes that have kept the show fresh and relevant in an increasingly competitive reality television landscape.
Insiders note that ABC has been strategically positioning DWTS for awards recognition since its Disney+ era reboot, making this nomination a calculated victory for the network's programming strategy rather than mere coincidence.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed on July 8, 2026 that Dancing With the Stars received its first Emmy nomination in the reality competition series category after missing the nominations entirely since 2016. The show has been a staple of ABC's Friday night lineup for over three decades.
Ten years is a long time to wait, but Dancing With the Stars just reminded the industry that it still knows how to throw a party worth watching. Whether this nomination signals a genuine creative renaissance or simply the Emmys rewarding longevity remains to be seen—but either way, the show's bosses aren't hiding their smiles tonight.
Dancing With the Stars is officially back in the Emmy conversation after a decade-long absence from the awards circuit. The long-running ABC competition series received its first nomination in the reality competition series category on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for a franchise that has been a fixture of network television since 2005. The news sent ripples through Hollywood's entertainment corridors as producers, dancers, and crew members celebrated what many are calling a well-deserved recognition after years of evolving the show's format.
Representatives from the production company behind DWTS expressed their gratitude in statements following the announcement, with executives noting how deeply moved they were by the nomination—a sentiment that echoed throughout the ballroom community. This year's Emmy recognition comes at an interesting inflection point for reality competition programming overall. The category has become increasingly competitive as streaming platforms have invested heavily in high-production-value competition shows, making DWTS' return to eligibility particularly meaningful.
Industry observers suggest the show's ability to secure a nomination after such a lengthy gap demonstrates either remarkable staying power or a strategic alignment with what Emmy voters are currently rewarding. The timing of this nomination also raises interesting questions about the future trajectory of Dancing With the Stars as broadcast television continues navigating its relationship with streaming competitors. While ABC has maintained the show on traditional network airwaves, the franchise has experimented with various format adjustments and celebrity pairings in recent seasons to stay culturally relevant.
