World of Dance judges Derek Hough, Jennifer Lopez, and NE-YO, with host Jenna Dewan (in red) at NBC's 2018 Summer Press Day event. (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal)

by Andy Dehnart 10 May. 2018 | 4:34 pm

NBC’s confidence in its reality competition World of Dance has resulted in a renewal for a third season almost three weeks before season two premieres. Season three is now casting.

The show is not live, and season two filmed in January and February, so NBC is not renewing it without knowledge of season two.

The press release was excited “the most-watched new summer alternative series in 10 years,” pointing out that it was “averaged 10.1 million viewers in live plus seven day figures from Nielsen Media Research, making it the #1 new summer show in 18-49 and total viewers and the #2 summer show overall on broadcast television in both categories behind only America’s Got Talent.”

Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and NE-YO will return to judge, and Jenna Dewan will be back to host.

In the release, Jennifer Lopez said, “As an executive producer and judge, I’m constantly reminded of the heart and determination it takes to rise to the challenge and become the best of the best. I can’t wait to see the talent that comes across our stage for Season 3.”

Both World of Dance season two and America’s Got Talent debut May 29. See all announced summer reality show debut dates here.

By the way, the World of Dance organization actually predates the TV series by nine years. The Los Angeles Times profiled it last year, and wrote this:

“World of Dance takes place in over 25 countries and features competitions and showcases, fashion, art and master classes. The event lasts about eight hours and has professional and amateur dancers.

It is also the inspiration behind NBC’s new reality dance competition show, “World of Dance,” which premieres May 30 and will have dancers compete in front of judges such as Jennifer Lopez and Derek Hough. The popularity of World of Dance reflects the surging growth of hip-hop dance, music and culture into the mainstream.

‘This is really about the lifestyle of dance,’ said World of Dance founder David Gonzalez. ‘There is a competition, but it’s not about winning. It’s about participating and celebrating and sharing your craft…. It’s the closest thing to a dance Comic-Con if there’s such a thing.'”