Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro may not be finished just yet. After a successful first season that crowned Adele Zaikman as its winner and sent her directly into the flagship series, executive producer Conrad Green says he remains open to bringing the spinoff back for another round.
The new competition was created to find the next professional dancer for Dancing With the Stars, putting 12 aspiring pros through a demanding series of challenges designed to test their ballroom technique, choreography and ability to work with celebrity partners. Zaikman ultimately emerged as the first winner.
For Zaikman, the prize was more than a trophy or title. Her victory earned her a place on Season 35 of the main show, where she is now getting her first opportunity to compete as an official DWTS professional. Green has praised her consistency and performance ability, telling her that she had earned her place in the ballroom.
That successful transition is one of the biggest reasons the experiment appears to have worked. Instead of simply introducing another competition show, The Next Pro created a direct pathway for a talented dancer to become part of the franchise’s professional cast.
Green has also emphasized that the spinoff gave longtime DWTS fans a different perspective on the professional dancers. Viewers were able to see how much preparation, teaching and adaptability are required from the pros before they ever step onto the main show’s ballroom floor.
Just as importantly, Green does not believe the spinoff took attention away from the flagship series. He said The Next Pro provided a fresh way for fans to experience the franchise while complementing rather than competing with the main show.
However, a second season would not necessarily be an exact repeat of Season 1. Green has suggested that if the competition returns, producers would likely make some changes after learning from the inaugural season. That could mean new challenges, adjustments to the format or surprises designed to keep the competition feeling fresh.
There is also no guarantee that another season is coming. Green has made clear that any renewal would ultimately be a discussion with the network. For now, the possibility is being considered rather than officially announced.
The timing could also depend on how the franchise continues to evolve. With Dancing With the Stars returning for Season 35 and Zaikman becoming part of the professional lineup, producers now have a chance to see how effectively the first season’s concept works in the flagship competition.
If The Next Pro does return, its future could therefore look different from its debut. The basic idea of searching for new professional talent may remain, but Green’s comments suggest the team could refine the formula and turn the spinoff into an even stronger companion to Dancing With the Stars.
Compiled with information from various sources.
