Dancing With the Stars has secured a nomination for best reality competition series at the 2026 Emmy Awards, marking its return to the category for the first time in a decade. The ABC show, which last received a nomination in this category in 2016, is now in its 34th season and 20th year on air, making the recognition a significant milestone for the long-running programme.

Producers, judges, hosts and professional dancers publicly celebrated the news, with showrunner Conrad Green and executive producer Deena Katz thanking the Television Academy, cast, crew and fans. Figures including Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, Witney Carson, Alan Bersten, Britt Stewart and former host Tom Bergeron shared their delight online. The series earned five nominations in total, including craft categories such as makeup, hairstyling, camerawork and lighting, and will compete against RuPaul's Drag Race, Survivor, Top Chef and The Traitors. The 78th Emmy Awards will air on 14 September on NBC, hosted by Mariska Hargitay.