Dancing with the Stars is a well known reality TV show that first aired in 2005, the show is currently running its 34th season. Additionally, DWTS adapted from the British TV show, “Strictly Come Dancing”.
DWTS used to hold two seasons or competitive rounds per year, but now there is one season from mid September to late November, followed by a tour in the Spring where DWTS professionals present their talents to live audiences across the U.S, through a series of group and individual routines.
The show consists of professional ballroom trained dancers paired with celebrities, such as well known athletes, actors, reality stars, or social media stars, where they will compete among each other, receiving feedback and guidance from a panel of judges.
A reason the show is so popular is because of its interactive aspect with fans. On top of the dancers being evaluated by judges, fans are able to vote for their favorite couples/celebrities up to 10 times by texting, 21523. The outcome of the judges scores and the number of fan votes a celebrity receives, are added up, which determines their placement in the next episode, whether they stay in the competition or get eliminated.
The judges panel has three permanent judges, and occasionally a guest judge will appear. In 2025 and in recent years the judges panel include: Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.
DWTS has recently grown increasingly more popular and is well known on social media, breaking voting records, surpassing 50 million votes per night.
This year, season 34 holds a variety of celebrities, including:
- Alix Earle
- Robert Irwin
- Elaine Hendrix
- Dylan Efron
- Danielle Fishel
- Andy Richter
- Jen Affleck
- Whitney Leavitt
- Scott Hoying
- Jordan Chiles
Eliminated contestants include:
Hilaria Baldwin, Corey Feldman, Baron Davis, and Lauren Jauregui
Each year, DWTS holds a themed night for each week that either caters to trends happening in the year, or a consistent theme they hold every year, based on sponsors or holidays. This year themes include:
- Week 2 (Sept. 23): One-Hit Wonder Night
- Week 3 (Sept. 30): TikTok Night
- Week 4 (Oct. 7): Disney Night
- Week 5 (Oct. 14): Dedication Night
- Week 6 (Oct. 21): Wicked Night
- Week 7 (Oct. 28): Halloween Night
- Week 8 (Nov. 4): Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night
- Week 9 (Nov. 11): 20th Birthday Party
- Week 10 (Nov. 18): Prince Night (Semi-Finals)
- Week 11 (Nov. 25): Season Finale
Each week many dances have popular moments that go viral on social media, with thousands of fans recreating these moments, and live broadcasting their reactions and thoughts, personally judging them.
Many “OG” fans have come out to say that Tik Tok has ruined the show for them, as people care more about getting their favorites through to the finals, and kicking their least favorite “Stars” out, instead of voting for their performance in dance.
This season and in recent years there has been controversy over some “Stars” having a dance background, even if it wasn’t specifically Ballroom style, because of their background even if it was dancing when they were a teenager for a short period of time, people find it unfair if they aren’t brand new to it.
Due to a heavy amount of fans on Social Media, it is entertaining to hear others opinions and be able to see behind the scenes, rewatch special moments in the dances, or even off stage with cast mates.
Dancing with the Stars has been running for 20 years, and with its popularity, it will continue for many more years to come! It is a fun show to become a fan of, and even more fun when celebrities or influencers you know and love appear!
