The show that has everyone talking: Dancing with the Stars
By: Ava Soilis
“Dancing with the Stars” has been around for over three decades, and it's not slowing down anytime soon. Each week, star-studded contestants and their pro partners perform a new themed dance focusing on developing Latin and ballroom dance styles.
Now, in the 34th season, the season premiere set an all-time record for voting and viewership. Over the past two years, the show has reinvented itself, gaining popularity with new viewers and generations of fans.
What’s changed:
Before 2020, Dancing with the Stars was declining in popularity as it approached 30 years on the air. The show felt dated, and controversies with previous hosts did not help the declining ratings.
In 2020, many people needed an outlet, and creating short TikTok dancing videos seemed to keep people of all ages connected. DWTS pros soon jumped on the idea and started creating ballroom versions of these dances. Many viewers became interested in the pros' lives and experiences training in ballroom dance.
The combination of viral dance trends and the addition of new pros, younger audiences started showing interest in the show when it returned. In addition, the pandemic allowed streaming services to be created and shows like Dancing with the Stars can thrive.
ABC
Why audiences are tuning in again:
Between Disney+, Hulu and ABC, Dancing with the Stars recorded over 8.1 million views, marking the show’s best premiere in 34 seasons. For audiences who prefer on-demand streaming, DWTS appeals to younger audiences who don’t necessarily last for 2 hours on the couch. Without streaming platforms, it would be difficult to imagine how relevant live TV shows would be in 2025.
“So, are the celebrities still ‘cool’?” In the past, stars like Kim Kardashian, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Simone Biles have competed. In 2024, the casting featured a bold combination including ex-felons like Anna Delvey, Olympians and former NFL athletes. One of the standouts last year was Stephen Nedoroscik, who has a vision impairment and made it to the finale with his partner, Rylee Arnold, despite his setbacks. Stephen's journey resonated with viewers because he shared his authentic story. It can be hard to figure out what is real and what is fake, especially on social media, so authenticity is everything.
Despite the brief decline in viewership, audiences new and old have come together to make Dancing with the Stars a cultural phenomenon that you can’t miss. Being a contestant on DWTS is a journey. You start vulnerable, as many of the stars have never danced at a high level, while being on national television. Stories like Stephen Nedoroscik demonstrate embracing vulnerability and authenticity, which resonates with viewers looking for role models in a public figure. Continuing to embrace stars who will openly share their journey for the world to see will keep Dancing with the Stars around for 34 more seasons. Don’t forget to tune in at 8:00PM EST on Tuesday nights!
