Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the Stars is a long-running American reality television competition series that pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers. Each couple performs choreographed routines, which are judged by a panel of experts and voted on by the viewing public. The show, an adaptation of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has become a staple of American popular culture since its premiere on ABC in 2005. It has launched numerous careers, sparked national conversations about dance, and spawned a vast international franchise.

Format and broadcast

The competition typically follows a weekly elimination format, where couples perform dances such as the Cha-cha-cha, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Jive, with specific themed nights often tied to music from artists like Britney Spears or Michael Jackson. The series originally aired on ABC for sixteen years before a brief, historic move to the Disney+ streaming service for its thirty-first season. Following this experiment, the show returned to its broadcast home on ABC, with episodes also available on Hulu. Special events include the annual "Dancing with the Stars" finale and occasional all-star seasons featuring returning fan favorites from previous editions.

Professional dancers and celebrity contestants

The roster of professional dancers has featured many world-champion performers, including Mark Ballas, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, and the late Corky Ballas. These professionals are paired with a wide array of celebrities from various fields, such as Olympic gold medalist Apolo Anton Ohno, actress and singer Jennifer Grey, football star Emmitt Smith, and television personality Kim Kardashian. Other notable participants have included singer Donny Osmond, actress Kristi Yamaguchi, and rapper Lil' Kim, with winners spanning from athletes like Rashad Jennings to entertainers like Bindi Irwin. The casting often generates significant media attention, particularly with controversial figures like former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

Judging panel and scoring

The judging panel has been a cornerstone of the series, providing expert critique and entertainment. The original core panel consisted of head judge Len Goodman, alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Following Goodman's retirement, former professional champion Derek Hough joined the panel full-time, with Tonioli's role becoming more sporadic. Guest judges have included prominent figures from the dance and entertainment worlds, such as Paula Abdul, Michael Flatley, and Julianne Hough. Scores are given on a scale up to 10 points per judge, combining with viewer votes from platforms like Facebook and Dancing with the Stars' official app to determine which couple is eliminated each week.

Cultural impact and reception

The series has significantly influenced American perceptions of ballroom dance, inspiring a surge in enrollment at dance studios affiliated with organizations like the National Dance Council of America. It has received numerous award nominations, including from the Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. The show frequently trends on social media platforms like Twitter, especially during memorable performances or shocking eliminations. Its integration of celebrities from NFL legends to Disney Channel stars has made it a cross-generational television event, though it has also faced criticism over judging consistency and the inclusion of politicians like Rick Perry.

International versions

The format has been successfully adapted in over fifty territories worldwide, creating a global television phenomenon. The original British version, Strictly Come Dancing, remains a ratings powerhouse for the BBC. Other notable versions include Australia's long-running series on the Seven Network, New Zealand's popular iteration, and Germany's "Let's Dance" on RTL Television. The franchise has also found success in markets like Italy with "Ballando con le Stelle" and South Africa with "Strictly Come Dancing," each featuring local celebrities and professional dancers.

Category:American reality television series Category:2005 American television series debuts Category:Television series based on British television series Category:Dance television series