Live from Hollywood, you know the theme song all too well! And while this infamous celebrity reality TV show has been on air since 2005, its recent revival has kept viewers, votes, and overall engagement rates rising like never before. Gen Z professionals Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa introduced Dancing with the Stars to the growing world of social media, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content has lit a fire on media platforms such as TikTok. From viral dance moves to elimination reactions, fans have connected and been exceedingly involved with the show ~ as well as vocalized their opinions on not only which contestants they want to make it to the end, but also what theme nights they want to see on Tuesday nights.
As contestants and their partners doll up in glitter, ballroom costumes, and makeup glam, they prepare their dances for each live show based on a universal episode theme, such as Disney night and Halloween. Season 35 is currently airing, leaving viewers in suspense about who will be taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Fans have not only been voting for their favorite celebrities, but have also been “voting” on what season 36 themed nights would be a hit!
1. Michael Jackson Night
A night dedicated to undeniably one of the greatest performers in entertainment history, fans state they would love to see choreographed dances to songs such as “Dirty Diana” and “Thriller.” With elaborate costumes and possibly featuring iconic dance moves such as his moonwalk, a Michael Jackson theme night has been a top request from fans across the nation – and could easily break Dancing with the Stars‘ viewer and vote records.
2. Trio Night
Although it’s been years since this theme night premiered on Dancing with the Stars, it used to be an occurrence every season. With the addition of a former competing celebrity, challenging choreography, viral moments, and more, Trio Night has been proven to be a monumental theme in Dancing with the Stars’ history. Allowing viewers to not only see a different style of dancing but also returning fan-favorite contestants to the ballroom, Trio Night is deemed by many a must-have return.
3. Broadway night
With season 34’s Wicked themed night in honor of the Oscar-nominated film starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the rise of ballroom dances to iconic Broadway hits has become a very popular idea across media platforms. Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt’s foxtrot to Hamilton‘s “Room Where It Happened” only grew this desire of fans, with the couple performing one of the best dances of the season. It was proof of the magic that a Broadway night would bring to the ballroom.
4. Partner Switch Night
Throwing it back to earlier seasons, this theme night was always one of the most anticipated nights, and now fans anticipate its return. Though casting seems to always nail it when it comes to pairing celebrities with their pro mentors, switching partners for a week gives a new challenge to competitors and allows the audience to see some pairings they think would’ve worked well together. Voting for new couples, seeing new content, and experiencing new chemistry can bring back an element of excitement to viewers as the weeks come closer to the finale.
5. no themes
This one sticking out to you? Surprisingly, even though fans say they adore themed nights, many older fans, or people who have been watching the show for a while, argue they are unnecessary! Some say bringing back themeless nights, which were common in the show’s early years, will allow for more authentic ballroom performances, including more graceful dances like the Waltz (which has become a rarer choice for the show).
We may not have complete control over what ABC production chooses to do for Dancing with the Stars, but getting opinions and different views out there will never hurt. And who knows, they may just listen! So, what do you say? Which themes do you want to see?