Gleb Savchenko and Sasha Farber Absent from DWTS Season 35 Amid Mixed Reactions

Key points

• Gleb Savchenko, a DWTS pro since 2016, was not included in the Season 35 cast announced on September 2.
• Savchenko posted a video on Instagram on September 2, telling fans to stop apologizing and expressing gratitude for his time on the show.
• Sasha Farber, another veteran pro, also missed the Season 35 lineup and confirmed on TikTok that his absence was not his choice.
• The Season 35 cast includes new pairings such as Jenna Dewan with Val Chmerkovskiy and Maura Higgins with Mark Ballas.
• The season premieres with a two-night launch on ABC and Disney+ on September 15 and 16, 2026.

Background

Savchenko had previously hinted at his potential departure in mid-2025, posting comments about '14 years of loyalty' being erased. He competed in Season 34 with Hilaria Baldwin and later appeared on the spin-off 'Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro' with Adele Zaikman. Farber, who joined the show in 2012, had also been absent from Season 34, stating he was rooting for the contestants from the sidelines. The current season features a mix of athletes, reality stars, and actors, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough returning.

How outlets are covering it

E! Online and The News International focused heavily on Savchenko’s positive response to his exclusion, highlighting his Instagram message about moving forward and his gratitude for past years. Us Weekly emphasized the broader context of pro absences, noting that Sasha Farber also missed the lineup and explicitly stating that his exclusion was not voluntary. The Tab reported that Savchenko had previously confirmed his departure in a July TikTok live, suggesting the absence was planned rather than sudden. While all outlets confirmed the new cast and premiere dates, they differed in emphasis: E! and The News International centered on Savchenko’s personal reaction, whereas Us Weekly provided a comparative analysis of multiple pros missing from the season.

Why it matters

The absence of two long-standing pros, Savchenko and Farber, signals a significant shift in the DWTS pro roster after nearly a decade of consistent participation. Savchenko’s public reassurance and Farber’s clarification help manage fan expectations and reduce speculation about internal conflicts or firings. The new cast, featuring high-profile names like Jenna Dewan and Maura Higgins, aims to maintain viewer interest despite the changes in the professional lineup.

What to watch

The Season 35 premiere is scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2026, on ABC and Disney+. Savchenko has not disclosed his next professional venture, leaving his future plans unclear. Farber’s return to the show remains uncertain as he has not announced new projects. The season will feature a two-night launch, followed by weekly episodes, with a post-show 'DWTS After Party' hosted by Season 34 champion Robert Irwin.