Dancing with the Stars Announced Super Bowl Theme
ABC has revealed the upcoming theme for the fifth week of the show's current 35th season.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Dance
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ABC announced that the fifth week of Dancing with the Stars Season 35 will feature a Super Bowl Night theme. The episode is set to celebrate iconic Super Bowl halftime performances.
Why it matters
The announcement confirms the show's upcoming trajectory as it moves through its 11-week seasonal run. This themed episode replaces a previously designated TBD slot in the competition schedule.
The program features an 11-week schedule and airs at 8 p.m. ET. The theme was officially confirmed by the network after previously being listed as TBD.
The players
ABC
This American commercial broadcast television network is responsible for the production and distribution of Dancing with the Stars.
Good Morning America
This is a flagship morning television program broadcast by ABC that frequently serves as a platform for network news and promotional announcements.
The details
The theme announcement was shared on the program Good Morning America. This follows the upcoming Mariah Carey Night scheduled for the show's fourth week.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: ABC announced the Week 5 theme.
October 6, 2026: Mariah Carey Night airs.
October 13, 2026: Super Bowl Night airs.
November 2, 2026: Disney Night airs.
November 24, 2026: Season 35 finale airs.
Industry Dynamics
Theme-based episodes remain a core strategy for reality competition shows to drive viewership through cultural nostalgia and event-style programming. By integrating themes like Super Bowl halftime shows, the network aligns its content with high-profile sporting events to capture broader audiences.
Viewers can watch the Super Bowl Night episode at 8 p.m. ET on October 13. The schedule adjustment clarifies which specific performances fans should prepare to watch throughout the remainder of the season.
The takeaway
Thematic weeks serve as anchor points for reality television seasons, helping to maintain engagement over a multi-month period. Fans tracking the competition can use these official theme announcements to gauge the pacing of the show leading up to the November finale.
Further reading
For more on upcoming performances and competition changes, visit Dance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal News.
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Do you plan to watch the upcoming Super Bowl themed episode of Dancing with the Stars?
