Asep Darmawan
The ballroom floor is set to become a little more colorful this fall as Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) prepares to welcome a true television icon to its ranks. In an announcement that has sent waves of excitement through the late-night comedy world, Disney confirmed Wednesday night that Guillermo Rodriguez, the beloved sidekick and fixture of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, will be trading his security credentials for sequins and ballroom shoes for the show’s highly anticipated 35th season.
Rodriguez, whose journey from a parking lot security guard to a household name is the stuff of Hollywood legend, brings a unique brand of charm and comedic timing to the competition. As the franchise looks to build on the massive momentum generated by its recent seasons, the addition of a personality as recognizable and universally liked as Guillermo signals a continued commitment to diversifying the cast with high-energy, fan-favorite talent.
The Road to the Ballroom: A Growing Roster
While the full roster of contestants and their professional dance partners is being kept under tight wraps, the early reveals have already generated significant buzz across social media. Guillermo Rodriguez joins a diverse group of celebrities who have already been confirmed for the upcoming season:
- Maura Higgins: The Love Island and The Traitors breakout star, known for her sharp wit and competitive spirit.
- Ciara Miller: A fan favorite from Bravo’s Summer House, bringing a massive built-in audience and a penchant for reality TV drama.
- Jackson Olson: The charismatic Savannah Bananas second baseman, representing the world of viral sports entertainment.
The official unveiling of the complete lineup, alongside the professional dancers who will be tasked with guiding these stars through the rigors of the waltz, tango, and cha-cha, is scheduled for September 2 on Good Morning America. The production, helmed by BBC Studios, continues to be a staple of ABC’s programming, with episodes available for streaming on Disney+ to accommodate a modern, multi-platform viewing audience.
From the Parking Lot to the Spotlight: The Guillermo Phenomenon
To understand why Guillermo’s inclusion in Dancing with the Stars is such a significant cultural moment, one must look back at his unconventional trajectory. For over 23 years, Rodriguez has been a constant presence on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. His origin story is arguably one of the most endearing in television history: he was originally working as a security guard in the parking lot of the studio where Kimmel filmed his show.
His transition from protecting the premises to appearing on camera was organic. Kimmel, recognizing the comedic potential in his genuine, unassuming personality, began featuring him in small skits. Over two decades later, Guillermo has become a cornerstone of the show. He is no longer just a sidekick; he is a performer in his own right, known for his hilarious segments on the Oscars red carpet, his spirited cross-country road trips, and his rapport with A-list guests.
A resident of California and a U.S. citizen since 2005, Guillermo’s appeal lies in his authenticity. Whether he is interviewing movie stars or discussing his love for soccer and Mexican cuisine, he remains grounded—a trait that will undoubtedly serve him well when he faces the pressure of the judges’ table. His inclusion in Season 35 is not just a booking; it is a celebration of a man who has entertained millions simply by being himself.
A Franchise in Its Prime: The Ratings Resurgence
The 35th season of Dancing with the Stars arrives at a pivotal moment in the show’s history. For years, skeptics questioned whether a legacy ballroom competition could maintain its cultural relevance in the age of TikTok and on-demand streaming. However, Season 34 provided an emphatic answer: not only is the show relevant, it is more popular than it has been in nearly a decade.
The metrics from the most recent season paint a picture of a franchise experiencing a massive resurgence. The November finale of Season 34 shattered expectations, delivering the highest-rated finale in almost ten years. Behind these numbers is a shifting demographic; the show has successfully captured the attention of younger viewers, a feat rarely achieved by long-running network staples.
The engagement level of the audience has reached unprecedented heights. During the last season, the show recorded a staggering 72 million votes during the finale alone. When aggregated across the entirety of the season, the total number of fan votes reached nearly half a billion. This level of participation suggests that the Dancing with the Stars brand is stronger than ever, fueled by the intersection of traditional television viewership and intense digital engagement.
The Strategic Shift: Casting for the Future
The decision to cast talent like Guillermo Rodriguez, Maura Higgins, and Ciara Miller is part of a deliberate strategic evolution by the show’s production team. By blending traditional celebrity status with "internet-native" personalities—those who have found fame through reality TV, social media, or niche sports—the show effectively bridges the gap between generations.
For a legacy network like ABC, the goal is to maintain the prestige and production value of a ballroom competition while ensuring the show feels fresh. The "DWTS" model has proven that viewers are less interested in "traditional" celebrities—such as movie stars or aging athletes—and more interested in personalities who provide authentic, relatable, and high-energy entertainment.
By tapping into the fanbases of Summer House and The Traitors, and by bringing in a beloved late-night staple like Guillermo, ABC is ensuring that the social media discourse surrounding the show remains vibrant. Each announcement acts as a lightning rod for fan theories and pre-season rankings, effectively extending the "season" of the show long before the first dance step is taken.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Season 35
While Disney has yet to confirm the exact premiere date, the industry expects a fall debut, continuing the show’s tradition of anchoring ABC’s autumn schedule. The simulcast on Disney+ is expected to remain a permanent fixture, recognizing that the show’s audience is increasingly fragmented between linear TV and streaming platforms.
As the production gears up for the new season, the pressure on the contestants will be immense. The judges have become increasingly rigorous in their critiques, and the high standard set by recent champions means that "personality" alone will not be enough to carry a contestant to the mirrorball trophy. Guillermo will need to balance his natural humor with the technical discipline required for ballroom dance. Given his history of preparation for Jimmy Kimmel Live! segments, those close to the production suggest he is ready to take the challenge seriously.
The implications of this season are clear: Dancing with the Stars is leaning into its status as a "must-watch" event. By diversifying its cast and leaning into the digital-first habits of its audience, the show is positioning itself to remain a dominant force in the television landscape for years to come.
As for Guillermo, the transition from the red carpet of the Academy Awards to the ballroom floor of ABC represents the culmination of a decades-long career. Whether he wins the trophy or is the first to be eliminated, his presence ensures that Season 35 will be one for the history books. Fans are encouraged to tune in to Good Morning America on September 2 for the full reveal—an event that will undoubtedly spark the next phase of the show’s evolution.
In a media landscape defined by rapid changes and fleeting trends, the enduring success of Dancing with the Stars serves as a reminder of the power of live event television. Through a mix of nostalgia, spectacle, and a keen eye for talent, the show continues to captivate, proving that even after 35 seasons, there is still plenty of room for a little more magic on the dance floor.
Dwi Wanna
Jia Lissa
