Guillermo Rodriguez, the longtime sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has joined the celebrity cast for Season 35 [1] of Dancing With the Stars.
Rodriguez's addition brings a high-profile late-night presence to the competition. His participation leverages the reach of the Kimmel audience to drive viewership for the ballroom series as it returns for another season.
Rodriguez is the fourth celebrity confirmed for the upcoming season [2]. Jimmy Kimmel said the news during his late-night program as producers continue to expand the star-studded roster for the competition.
Season 35 is scheduled to premiere in mid-September 2024 [3]. While some reports generally describe the premiere as occurring in the fall, other sources specify the mid-month timing [3].
The production will air on ABC and stream on Disney+ [1]. Viewers will learn the identity of the remaining contestants when the full cast is announced on Sept. 2, 2024 [1].
Rodriguez has spent years as a fixture on the Kimmel program, often providing comedic support and interaction. This transition to a competitive dance environment marks a significant shift in his public role from supporting sidekick to center-stage performer.
“Guillermo Rodriguez is the fourth celebrity confirmed for the season”
The casting of Guillermo Rodriguez suggests a strategic effort by ABC and Disney+ to integrate established television personalities who possess built-in fanbases from other network properties. By utilizing the promotional platform of a late-night talk show to announce contestants, the network is creating a cross-promotional loop intended to sustain the show's relevance in a fragmented streaming and broadcast landscape.
