Dancing With the Stars’ Premiere Date Set After WGA Deal
ABC Moves Forward with “Dancing With the Stars” Premiere
Less than 24 hours after the WGA reached a tentative deal to end the 146-day strike, ABC confirmed that “Dancing With the Stars” will proceed with its planned premiere date on Tuesday, Sept. 26. The show will also be simulcast live on Disney+. This announcement comes after ABC initially considered postponing the premiere due to pressure from the WGA.
Cast Members, Including Matt Walsh, Allowed to Return
Amid the backlash from the WGA, some cast members of “Dancing With the Stars” expressed concerns and faced picketing from WGA members during rehearsals. “Veep” actor Matt Walsh initially announced a pause in his participation due to the ongoing strike, but now, it has been confirmed that he will be back on the dance floor. With the resolution and vote with the WGA, “Dancing With the Stars” is no longer considered a struck show, allowing all cast members to return.
SAG-AFTRA Supports “Dancing With the Stars” Cast
While SAG-AFTRA is still on strike, the union has backed the cast of “Dancing With the Stars” and clarified that their participation on the show does not violate union rules. The performers on “DWTS” are covered under SAG-AFTRA’s “Network Code” agreement, which was ratified in 2022 and is not part of the current strike. This agreement allows the hosts, judges, professional dancers, and celebrity lineup, including Alyson Hannigan, Jamie Lynn Spears, Barry Williams, Mira Sorvino, Ariana Madix, and Xochitl Gomez, to continue their contractual obligations on the show.
