FEED DROP: Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere Night 1 Recap

FEED DROP: Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere Night 1 Recap

Also available on YouTube.

Dancing with the Stars returns for its 35th season, and Matt Liguori and Sasha Joseph are back in the ballroom to break down the drama, missteps, and memorable performances from night one. With a two-night premiere, male celebrities compete while fan voting crashes and an early elimination sets the tone for a packed season. The hosts dig into the impact of new pros, burst pipes in the voting system, and the range of personalities on stage, setting the scene for what’s to come as the women get ready to take the floor.

From surprising eliminations to judging quirks, Matt and Sasha explore each routine, giving special attention to standout performances, unexpected slip-ups, and how dancers juggle life on and off the show. They dive into production choices, like song selections celebrating the year of birth, and highlight the chatter among fans and guests throughout the live coverage. The hosts share candid reactions on the fairness of first-night eliminations, the fate of new pros like Adele, and the ongoing quest for the next big DWTS star. Plus, the duo discuss after-show developments and speculate about long-term favorites in the competition.

Highlights from the discussion include:

The voting site collapse and its ripple effect on eliminations and fan engagement.

First-night elimination, including the impact on Adele and thoughts on fairness for new pros.

Dissection of each male contestant’s strengths, Ezra’s inspiring debut, Jackson’s entertainer energy, and Harry’s pro-level skills.

Judges’ grading strategies, from Carrie Ann’s “Lift Police” to Derek’s surprising name mix-ups.

The behind-the-scenes look at the social media presence and family dynamics that boost (or hinder) stars with devoted fan bases.

As DWTS sets the stage for a stacked cast and fast-paced season, the pressure is on for both pros and contestants. Who adapts best to the format’s curveballs, and can the newest faces shake up the predicted leaderboard? Which performances left room for growth, and who already stands out as a favorite?

Catch the full episode for sharp takes on routines, early season predictions, and all the offstage drama you won’t see on the dance floor.