I had never watched Dancing with the Stars until I entered my college years. I have been a dancer my entire life, and it feels to me like something I would’ve encountered earlier. But I hadn’t. None of the girls I danced with watched it, and it was only after meeting my new college friends that I was dragged to the media room in my dorm to sit and watch. Immediately, I loved it, which is not normal for me and TV shows (it usually takes me a little time to get invested). The big bravado and the exciting growth stories had me very invested.
As someone with an interest in what makes productions entertaining, I was interested inhow the show draws in such a wide range of viewers. It all starts with the stars. While there is a range of both older and younger stars, they all share the commonality of being outgoing. Some stars are misunderstood, which is very interesting because they are able to create an arc of going from villain to someone we can root for. A prime example of this is Whitney Leavitt on Season 34.
I also think the professionals are a big part of what brings viewers back. They are amazing teachers and become familiar people you enjoy watching. You come back each season to see if this year your favorite will have more luck getting that Mirrorball.
The judges seem carefully picked too. Bruno Tonioli seems to have been chosen in order to bring light and love to the show. I rarely hear him give a descriptive correction, and he makes you laugh with his hilarious metaphors and energetic, upbeat demeanor.
Carrie Ann Inaba is the villain in many viewers’ minds. I have a controversial view because I agree with her comments most of the time. I understand the need for shoulders to be down and legs to be straight. I also believe she is truly rooting for the contestants’ growth and wants to help them. When the contestants come back and have fixed what she has said, she is very proud and mentions it. She has a soft spot, and a little part of me feels bad when everyone boos her in the ballroom.
Finally, Derek Hough is a perfectly well-rounded judge. He is fun, exciting, and lovable. Viewers have known him since he was young, and he has clear experience. He does the perfect compliment/critique/compliment sandwich method and never seems to dig in on anything that obviously went wrong.
I also think the love that you can feel in the ballroom is so apparent through the screen. You can feel the hard work, the excitement, and the nerves. This show turns people you see on red carpets and flying around the world into real people who are working hard and trying their best to improve. You see these people learn just as you do, tripping and stumbling, and it gives you the perception that they are not so different. This principle is, I think, the gold star of this show and what keeps a ride-or-die fanbase coming back season after season.