‘DWTS’ Dedication Night Scores Best Non-Finale Episode in 6 Years With Over 7 Million Viewers | Exclusive

The ABC competition show “Dancing With the Stars” celebrated its 35th season with a heartfelt dedication night that attracted 7.36 million viewers, marking its highest non-finale audience in six years, according to Nielsen live-plus-same day figures. The episode, which saw the remaining 10 couples pay tribute to loved ones, saw a 12% increase from the previous week's episode, which drew 6.59 million viewers.

Dedication night surpassed other major broadcasts, including an NBA matchup that brought in 5.98 million viewers on NBC, and CBS' "NCIS," which garnered 6.30 million viewers. The success of the night highlights the ongoing growth in viewership for “Dancing With the Stars,” with last week’s Super Bowl night drawing 6.59 million viewers, a 2% rise over the previous week and marking a season high.

Season 35 kicked off with its most-watched premiere in six years, and the show has consistently maintained a strong audience through its premiere's second week. The emotional performances on dedication night included Tyler Cameron's tribute to his late mother, revealing his fiancée's pregnancy, and Ezra Frech's dedication to his mother, earning him the first 10 votes of the season from guest judge Kym Johnson.

There were no eliminations during the night, but the judges hinted at a double elimination next week as Shirley Ballas, the guest judge, enters the ballroom. The show will continue next Tuesday, Oct. 27 with a spooky edition for "Horror Movie Night," airing at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+ and streaming the next day on Hulu.