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Dancing with the stars He’s back in the Emmys race, and the showrunners are celebrating the show’s recognition as a reality competition series for the first time in a decade.
The ABC reality show is back in the category with the reveal of the 2026 Emmy nominations. Dancing with the stars It hasn’t been nominated for Best Reality TV Series since 2016, but it has received several literal nods over the years.
“It is a great honor for the series to be nominated once again in the reality competition category,” showrunner Conrad Green said in a joint statement. Hollywood Reporter. “We have an extremely dedicated team that works extremely hard to make the best show possible, so we’re all thrilled that the Television Academy has recognized this beloved work — especially after 20 years on the air! A special thank you to our amazing hosts and judges, our amazing dancers, the celebrities who put themselves on the line every season, and the many fans who have supported us along the way.”
“To receive recognition in our 34th season is an extraordinary honor and means the world Dancing with the stars “Our family. We are so grateful to the Television Academy for this recognition and to our amazing cast, crew, creative team and loyal fans whose passion and support have made this journey possible,” added Dina Katz, Executive Producing Team President.
Dancing with the stars ABC celebrated the approval with a shared Instagram post, with several professional dancers sharing their excitement in the comments. “This is HUGE,” Alan Bersten wrote in the comments, before taking to his Instagram Story to share another statement: “I don’t think you understand how important this is!!! This show is finally getting the recognition it deserves!!”
Mirrorball Season 34 champion Whitney Carson also took to her Instagram Story to share a memorial message. “I’ve been so excited all morning, so proud! Dancing with the stars It received an Emmy nomination. I can’t really think of a show that deserves it more, honestly, and I know I’m biased because I’m apart of it, but I really feel like we’re one of the only reality series that encourages unity, camaraderie, and positivity. “We bring joy, we bring families together without being apart, it’s a great show to be apart of,” Carson wrote.
Britt Stewart also reposted the nomination announcement, writing on her Instagram Story: “Absolutely amazing!! I’m so proud of who I am.” Dancing with the stars Family for this incredible recognition! finally! 10 years later I still can’t believe I’m part of this amazing show.
“Big congratulations to my country Dancing with the stars A family that received an absolutely incredible Emmy nomination. “Guys, this is so well deserved and honestly, it’s about time. Being a part of a show like this for 20 years is pure joy and pure entertainment, I couldn’t be prouder,” judge Derek Hough said in an Instagram video.
Julianne Hough, a former judge and current host, also celebrated the approval. She wrote on her Instagram Story, “So honored to see our show nominated for an Emmy! I’m thrilled that our family and team of people are receiving this recognition for all the hard work, creativity, and passion they put forth year after year! A dream team.”
Tom Bergeron, the show’s former longtime host who returned to the ballroom as a guest judge in season 34, also celebrated the nomination. He wrote under ABC’s Instagram post, “Bravo!!”
And elsewhere with the 2026 Emmy Awards, Dancing with the stars It received a total of five nominations, including Outstanding Reality Television Series; Makeup for a variety, reality, or reality show; Hair styling for a variety, reality or reality show; Technical direction/camera work for series; And lighting design/lighting direction for series.
ABC is preparing to release Next Prothe first official extension of the franchise. The spinoff will crown one of the upcoming dancers as the next professional to join the cast Dancing with the stars Season 35.
The series will compete RuPaul’s Drag Race, Survivor, Top Chef and Traitors For Amy this fall.
See the full list of 2026 Emmy nominations here. The 78th Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Monday, September 14 on NBC and streamed live on Peacock, with Mariska Hargitay serving as the host.
