When was dancing with the stars on

Overview

Dancing with the Stars is a popular American dance competition show that pairs celebrities with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dance routines. The series premiered on June 1, 2005, on ABC and has since become a staple of reality television.

The show typically airs two seasons per year: a spring/summer season starting in April and a fall season beginning in September. It has featured over 30 seasons and hundreds of celebrity contestants, judged by a panel and voted on by the public.

• Original Premiere Date: The first episode aired on June 1, 2005, introducing the U.S. version of the British format Strictly Come Dancing.
• Network: The show has aired on ABC since its inception, with select episodes also available on Hulu and Disney+.
• Season Frequency: Since 2019, two seasons per year have been produced, increasing the show’s annual episode count.
• Hosts:Tom Bergeron hosted from 2005 to 2020; Tyler Cameron and Julianne Hough took over in 2022.
• Original Judges:Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli were original judges, with Goodman appearing until his passing in 2022.

How It Works

The competition format combines professional coaching, live performances, and audience voting to determine weekly eliminations. Each week, celebrity-pro dancer pairs perform themed routines scored by judges and voted on by fans.

• Weekly Elimination: Each week, the couple with the lowest combined score from judges and viewer votes is eliminated live, continuing until a winner is crowned.
• Judging Panel: The panel assigns scores from 1 to 10 per judge, totaling a maximum of 30 or 40 points depending on panel size.
• Public Voting: Viewers can vote via ABC.com and the official app during the one-hour voting window after each episode.
• Performance Nights: Episodes air Tuesdays at 8 PM ET, with results revealed on Wednesdays during the season.
• Themes and Challenges: Weekly themes include Halloween Night, Disney Night, and Latin Night, influencing costume and music choices.
• Pro-Am Format: In later seasons, professional dancers occasionally compete solo in “Dance-Off” segments for bonus points.

Comparison at a Glance

The table below compares key scheduling and format details across recent seasons of Dancing with the Stars.

Recent seasons have increased in length, with Season 32 running for 12 episodes compared to earlier 10-episode formats. The shift to Disney+ exclusivity in 2022 briefly altered accessibility before returning to ABC in 2023.

Why It Matters

Dancing with the Stars has influenced both television and dance culture in the U.S., popularizing ballroom dance among mainstream audiences and launching careers for professional dancers. Its format has inspired international versions and spin-offs like Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.

• Cultural Impact: The show has helped revive interest in ballroom dance across the U.S., increasing enrollment in dance studios nationwide.
• Viewership: Season 32 averaged 4.5 million viewers per episode, maintaining strong ratings despite streaming competition.
• Contestant Diversity: Celebrities range from athletes like Emmitt Smith to reality stars like Tess Holliday, broadening appeal.
• Professional Recognition: Dancers like Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke have gained fame and extended careers due to the show.
• Charity and Awareness: Several contestants have used their platform to raise awareness for mental health and social justice causes.
• Global Format: Based on the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing, it exemplifies successful adaptation of international TV formats.