Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)

Dancing with the Stars (American TV series) is a long-running American reality television competition that premiered on ABC in June 2005. The series, an adaptation of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, pairs celebrities with professional dance partners to perform choreographed routines judged by a panel of experts and voted on by the viewing public. Over its more than thirty seasons, the show has become a staple of American television, launching careers, sparking trends, and generating significant public discourse.

Format and production

The competition follows a weekly elimination format where couples perform dances such as the cha-cha-cha, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, and jive, which are scored by a panel of judges. These scores are combined with viewer votes from AT&T and online platforms to determine the lowest-scoring couple, who is then eliminated. The show is produced by BBC Studios' American branch in association with BBC Worldwide and is filmed primarily at CBS Television City in Los Angeles. Key production figures have included executive producers Conrad Green and Andrew Llinares, with the Disney–ABC Domestic Television group handling distribution. The series moved to a co-broadcast model on Disney+ and ABC beginning with its thirty-first season.

Cast and participants

Each season features a new roster of celebrity contestants drawn from diverse fields including film, music, sports, and politics. Notable participants have included Emmitt Smith, Apolo Anton Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi, Donald Driver, Bindi Irwin, Rashad Jennings, and Iman Shumpert. The professional dancer troupe has featured stars like Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Julianne Hough, many of whom gained fame through the show. Hosting duties have been held by Tom Bergeron for most of its run, with co-hosts like Erin Andrews and later Tyra Banks, before Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough took over. The judging panel has been anchored by Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and the late head judge Len Goodman, with Derek Hough joining later.

Reception and ratings

The series debuted to strong ratings, often winning its time slot and becoming a key part of ABC's primetime lineup. It has received numerous award nominations, including for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program. Critical reception has been mixed, with praise for its entertainment value and production but occasional criticism for its judging consistency. The show has maintained a loyal viewership, though ratings have fluctuated over the years, leading to its strategic move to Disney+ to attract a streaming audience. Its success spawned multiple international versions and solidified the Strictly Come Dancing format in the global market.

Cultural impact and legacy

The program has significantly influenced American popular culture, reviving interest in ballroom dance and making stars of its professional dancers. It has been referenced across media, including on shows like Saturday Night Live and in films, and has impacted dance studio enrollment nationwide. The show's "Mirrorball Trophy" has become an iconic symbol, and alumni often experience resurgences in their careers, such as Nicole Scherzinger and Amber Riley. Its format has been credited with democratizing dance for a mainstream audience and has been part of major network events like the Walt Disney Company's centennial celebration.

Controversies and notable incidents

The series has faced several controversies, including debates over judging fairness and the "curse of Dancing with the Stars," referencing relationship breakdowns among participants. A significant incident involved Paula Deen's casting withdrawal following a racial scandal. There have been on-air injuries, such as Nancy O'Dell's knee surgery and Misty May-Treanor's torn Achilles, and controversies surrounding contestant eligibility, including political figures like Sarah Palin and Sean Spicer. The firing of longtime host Tom Bergeron and the subsequent hosting changes generated considerable backlash from fans and media outlets like Entertainment Weekly.