Dancing with the Stars — Key Facts
- Genre: Reality competition / dance show
- Creators / Format Origin: Based on the British series Strictly Come Dancing
- Network / Platform: Originally premiered on ABC (United States) on June 1, 2005. It now also streams live on Disney+ alongside ABC.
- Premise: Celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dancers. Each week they perform choreographed dance routines (Latin, ballroom, etc.). A panel of judges scores the routines, and viewers vote. Couples with the lowest combined total are eliminated until a champion pair wins the Mirrorball Trophy.
- Hosts & Judges (recently): Hosts include Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough; Judges include Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
- Seasons & Longevity: Running for more than 30 seasons, the show has become one of the longest-running reality competition series in the U.S.
- Setting / Production: Filmed in studio with live audience; episodes air weekly during competition runs, with themed nights and live eliminations.
- Notable Facts:
- Contestants’ salaries growth: Some reports say early elimination payoff plus higher weekly pay for advancing couples.
- Pairings of celebrity + pro dancer are matched by production (with height/build/compatibility considered).
- The show has spawned multiple tours, spin-offs (e.g., Dancing with the Stars: Juniors), and live events.
- Recent Season Info: Season 34 premiered September 16, 2025, airing on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and simultaneously on Disney+.
- Impact & Culture: The show has been a staple of network reality TV, known for bringing dance into mainstream primetime, featuring athletes, actors, influencers, and more; it often generates social-media buzz and live voting engagement.