Jackson Olson will compete on Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars this fall after Disney announced the Savannah Bananas second baseman’s casting Tuesday during its upfront presentation in New York.
SUMMARY
- Jackson Olson expands ABC’s push toward athlete creators with large Gen Z digital audiences.
- Season 35 follows the franchise’s highest rated finale in nearly a decade.
- Disney plans to reveal remaining celebrity contestants Sept. 2 on Good Morning America.
The addition of Jackson Olson reflects a broader entertainment strategy reshaping unscripted television in March 2026 networks increasingly recruit social first personalities capable of delivering younger streaming audiences alongside traditional broadcast viewers.
ABC confirmed the upcoming season will simulcast on broadcast television and Disney+ while streaming next day on Hulu. Media analysts view the hybrid distribution model as central to the franchise’s resurgence.
The series’ momentum accelerated during Season 34, when the finale generated seventy two million fan votes and nearly half a billion votes across the season.
Industry researcher Brian Wieser, chief executive of Madison and Wall, said competition programs now depend heavily on “multi platform fandom ecosystems” rather than linear ratings alone.
Jackson Olson, known for baseball storytelling and lifestyle content, joins contestants Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller.
Doug Shabelman, chief executive of Burns Entertainment, said athlete creators offer advertisers “higher engagement consistency than many scripted celebrities.”
Ryan O’Dowd, executive producer of the franchise, said audience participation now drives long term retention across streaming platforms.
Jackson Olson’s crossover appeal may further strengthen that trajectory heading into the next television cycle.
NOTE! This article was generated with the support of AI and compiled by professionals from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage. For more information, please see our T&C.
