The competition is heating up on ABC’s newest ballroom series as “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro” returns with episode 3 tonight, Monday, July 27, at 8 p.m. Eastern.
For fans who have been following the franchise’s expansion, “The Next Pro” offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a professional partner on the flagship series.
If you’re looking for a way to watch tonight without paying for cable, read on for your best options.
How to watch ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ Episode 3 live for free
Cable cord-cutters have two strong free streaming alternatives that include live ABC content.
Fubo
Fubo is one of the easiest ways to stream ABC without a traditional cable package.
Current promotion:
- Free trial for new subscribers.
- Up to $30 off the first month depending on the plan selected.
Plans:
- Pro: $63.99 first month, then $88.99/month.
- Elite: $68.99 first month, then $98.99/month.
Features:
- Hundreds of available channels.
- ABC, CBS, Fox and other major broadcast networks in many markets.
- Unlimited DVR.
- Select 4K programming.
- No annual contract.
Try Fubo for free
Get Fubo’s free trial and up to $30 off your first month of service.
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DIRECTV
DIRECTV offers streaming packages that include local ABC affiliates and currently provides one of the more robust live-TV replacements.
Current promotion:
- 5-day free trial for new subscribers
- Up to $30 off the first month after the trial period ends.
Pricing:
- MyEntertainment starts at $59.99 per month, then $94.99 per month.
Features:
- Large channel lineup.
- Local channels in eligible markets.
- No long-term contract requirement.
- Genre-specific packages available.
Sling TV
Sling TV doesn’t currently offer a free trial, but it offers a lower-cost option for “DWTS” fans.
Flexible streaming packages including:
- Day Pass: $4.99.
- 3-Day Pass: $9.99.
- 7-Day Pass: $14.99.
Monthly plans:
- Starting at approximately $45.99/month.
Features:
- Flexible short-term viewing options.
- Entertainment, sports and news channels.
- Compatible with numerous streaming devices.
Get Sling TV
Sling TV pricing starts as low as $4.99.
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What is ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’?
The series is the first major competition spinoff specifically designed to discover future professional dancers for the long-running “Dancing with the Stars” franchise. Hosted by Robert Irwin, the program features judges Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, with weekly mentorship from current and former “DWTS” professionals.
Rather than simply rewarding the strongest performers, the competition evaluates the full range of skills required to become a successful professional partner on the flagship series, including teaching, choreography, adaptability, audience engagement, and partnership development. Twelve dancers began the season competing for a pro position on “Dancing with the Stars” season 35.
What happened on episode 3?
Episode 3, titled “You’re Only as Strong as Your Weakest Link: Group Work with Britt Stewart,” will feature the remaining dancers tackling one of the most difficult challenges in the “DWTS” universe: a high-pressure group performance. Under the guidance of veteran “Dancing with the Stars” pro Britt Stewart, contestants have only a limited amount of time to learn and perfect a routine that tests timing, teamwork, and resilience. Emphasis on teamwork.
This challenge marks a significant shift from the first two weeks, where judges focused on individual ballroom skills and emotional storytelling. With contestants now dependent on one another’s performances, mistakes can affect entire groups, raising the stakes considerably as the competition narrows.
What happened last week?
In episode 2, “Stories Without Words: Storytelling with Brandon Armstrong,” dancers were challenged to communicate personal stories through movement and partnership. Contestants had to demonstrate emotional connection and vulnerability while working with partners in choreography centered on storytelling rather than pure technique. Judges emphasized authenticity, chemistry, and the ability to connect with audiences.
The episode continued the elimination process that began during the premiere and further thinned the field as the pressure intensified, leaving only nine dancers remaining for tonight’s competition.
