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A legacy of glitz and glamour: Dancing with the Stars reaches 500 episodes
An unprecedented milestone for reality TV
Breaking records in its 33rd season, Dancing with the Stars is not showing any signs of slowing down. As of November 12, this iconic reality competition series will celebrate its 500th episode—a monumental achievement driven by its unique blend of professional dance, celebrity charm, and viewer engagement.
A history of excellence
Since its debut in 2005, Dancing with the Stars has featured an impressive lineup of 51 professional dancers and 394 celebrities, collectively earning 21 Emmy Awards. Despite being more than three decades in, the show continues to set new highs. In its current season, it has shattered voting records three times, with the most recent episode amassing over 19 million votes. Such achievements have made it the top entertainment program on broadcast for adults aged 18-49, boasting a 0.69 rating in Live+Same Day views. Even more impressive is the show’s performance in Live+35, where the season premiere drew 8.1 million viewers and a 1.54 rating, reflecting a 60% increase in total viewers and over 100% in the key demo compared to its initial airing.
The casting magic
Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, attributes much of the show’s enduring appeal to its casting strategy. “What was magic about the show in its heyday is back,” he notes. “The lesson we learned this season is the importance of the cast. Get people in, then give them a reason to stay.”
Co-executive producer Deena Katz elaborates on this, emphasizing the delicate balance between casting well-known celebrities to attract viewers and those who genuinely want to participate. For instance, Barry Williams, at 69, fulfilled a long-time dream by competing on the series and winning hearts. Conversely, controversial figure Anna Delvey, the first eliminated contestant this season, garnered attention despite leaving the show claiming she’d take away “nothing” from the experience.
Viral moments and TikTok’s influence
The show’s resonance with younger audiences, especially through viral moments on TikTok, has significantly boosted its popularity. One such moment was the jaw-dropping leg lift performed by Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, which became an instant TikTok sensation.
TikTok’s impact extends beyond viral dance moves; it has genuinely integrated Dancing with the Stars into Gen Z’s cultural fabric. Showrunner Conrad Green points out that many in this younger demographic are discovering the show for the first time, just as their parents did in the early 2000s. This cross-generational appeal ensures that the show remains relevant while still catering to its core audience.
Adapting to changing times
Dancing with the Stars has undergone numerous transformations, particularly in recent years. Tyra Banks took over hosting duties from Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews ahead of Season 29. Season 31 marked another pivotal change as the show moved from ABC to Disney+, becoming the first live show on the streaming platform. Julianne Hough joined Banks as a co-host, bringing a refreshed dynamic. This transition back to ABC in Season 32 and the introduction of new hosts revitalized the series once again, attracting both long-time viewers and a younger audience more accustomed to streaming.
The power of live audience and fresh themes
After the COVID-19 hiatus, the return of a live audience added much-needed energy to the show. “When it came back, it was quite a different show to the one that preceded it,” Green says of the Disney+ phase. This reboot allowed the show to reengage its audience, albeit on a platform that appealed to a younger demographic.
Keeping things interesting
One unique highlight of this season was Hair Metal Night, featuring guest judge Gene Simmons. Although his judging style, which seemed influenced by personal biases rather than dance technique, garnered some controversy, it added an element of unpredictability. Mills expresses a desire to explore similar outlandish themes in the future, ensuring that the competition remains engaging without taking itself too seriously.
Audience engagement and evolving dynamics
The judges’ table—comprising Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba—has faced mixed reactions, particularly concerning consistency in scoring. Green argues that the viewer’s vote remains the most critical stabilizer, highlighting its role in balancing out any discrepancies in judges’ scores. “The most important stabilizer is the viewer’s vote. Voting isn’t just about popularity; it’s deliberate,” he asserts.
Dancing with the Stars continues to captivate audiences with its positivity and depiction of collective efforts, providing a reassuring counterpoint to today’s often divided societal landscape. “It’s really nice to have something where you see what everyone has in common,” Green reflects.
The future of dancing with the stars
Despite the numerous changes, the show has maintained its core values—providing entertainment, sparking social media trends, and creating viral moments. “Celebrating a 500th episode is a rare achievement in television,” says an executive at BBC Studios. This season alone has shattered voting records and captivated new generations, proving that Dancing with the Stars remains a pop culture powerhouse.
With continued innovation, the show aims to keep pushing boundaries while staying rooted in its storytelling and competitive spirit.
Stay updated with Dancing with the Stars every Tuesday night on ABC and Disney+. Catch the episodes the next day on Hulu.
