Dancing with the Holidays

American dance competition television series For the upcoming season, see Dancing with the Stars (American TV series) season 35.

Dancing with the StarsGenreReality competitionBased onStrictly Come Dancingby Fenia VardanisRichard HopkinsKaren SmithDirected by Alex Rudzinski (2005–2016) Phil Heyes (2016–present) Presented by Tom Bergeron Lisa Canning Samantha Harris Brooke Burke-Charvet Erin Andrews Tyra Banks Alfonso Ribeiro Julianne Hough StarringDancing With the Stars competitorsJudges Len Goodman Carrie Ann Inaba Bruno Tonioli Julianne Hough Derek Hough Narrated byAlan DedicoatCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishNo. of seasons34No. of episodes514ProductionExecutive producersAshley Edens-ShafferJoe SungkurRob Wade (2014–2017)Andrew Llinares (2018–2021)David RuskeyTyra Banks (2020–2022)Conrad Green (2005–2014; 2022–present)Ryan O'Dowd (2024–present)Production locationsTelevision City Studios, Los Angeles, CaliforniaRunning time 40–86 minutes (ABC) 120 minutes (Disney+) Production companyBBC Studios Los AngelesOriginal releaseNetworkABCReleaseJune 1, 2005 (2005-06-01) –November 22, 2021 (2021-11-22)ReleaseSeptember 26, 2023 (2023-09-26) –presentNetworkDisney+ReleaseSeptember 19, 2022 (2022-09-19) –presentRelatedDancing with the Stars: JuniorsDancing with the Stars: The Next Pro Dancing with the Stars is an American reality dance competition television series that premiered on ABC on June 1, 2005. It is the American version of the British contest program Strictly Come Dancing, and is part of its international franchise. The series pairs celebrities with professional dancers to perform primarily ballroom and Latin routines. Each couple competes against the others for judges' points and audience votes. The couple receiving the lowest combined total of judges' points and audience votes is usually eliminated each week until only the champion dance pair remains. Since the thirty-second season in 2023, the series has been hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, with Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli serving as judges. In April 2022, it was announced that, beginning with the thirty-first season, Dancing with the Stars would move from ABC to Disney+. However, for season thirty-two, the series returned to ABC while continuing to be streamed simultaneously on Disney+. The thirty-fourth season premiered on September 16, 2025.

[edit] Hosts[edit] Logo used from 2007 to 2018 which was used in promotional posters. This logo is still being used on international versions. Tom Bergeron (who was also hosting America's Funniest Home Videos, also on ABC, at the time of the show's premiere) was the host for the show's first 28 seasons, beginning with its premiere in 2005. In season 1, his co-host was Lisa Canning. She was subsequently replaced by Samantha Harris for seasons 2 through 9 (2006–2009), who was then replaced by Brooke Burke-Charvet from seasons 10 through 17 (2010–2013). Erin Andrews served as co-host from season 18 through 28 (2014–2019). On July 13, 2020, Bergeron announced in a tweet that he had been dismissed from the series. ABC and BBC Studios made an official announcement shortly afterward saying Andrews would also be leaving the program. The following day, model and host Tyra Banks was announced to be joining the show as host in addition to serving as an executive producer for the twenty-ninth season. On July 14, 2022, it was announced that Alfonso Ribeiro would join Banks as co-host for the thirty-first season. On March 17, 2023, it was revealed that Banks would be leaving the show prior to the thirty-second season. Three days later, it was announced that Julianne Hough would be joining as co-host for season 32, while Ribeiro was elevated to main host.

Judges[edit] The regular judges included Len Goodman, who served as head judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli. Goodman was absent for much of season 19, the entirety of season 21, much of season 23, and the entirety of season 29. Julianne Hough, who had been a professional dancing partner for seasons 4 through 8, was added as a full-time judge for seasons 19 through 21, after having been a guest judge in the previous two seasons. She did not return for season 22, but she did return as a full-time judge for seasons 23 and 24, but did not return subsequently. Julianne's brother, Derek Hough, replaced Len Goodman for season 29, as Goodman was unable to travel from London to Los Angeles due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, though he was able to "share his ballroom expertise" during the season via pre-taped clips. Goodman announced during the season 31 semifinals that he would be retiring from the show at the end of the season. Following Goodman's death in April 2023, the Mirrorball Trophy was renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy beginning in season 32.

Cast timeline[edit] Color key

  Host   Co-host   Contestant   Professional dancer   Judge   Guest judge

Cast member

Seasons

[edit] SeasonContestantsEpisodesOriginally releasedWinnersRunners-upFirst releasedLast released166June 1, 2005 (2005-06-01)July 6, 2005 (2005-07-06)Kelly Monaco & Alec MazoJohn O'Hurley & Charlotte Jørgensen21016January 5, 2006 (2006-01-05)February 24, 2006 (2006-02-24)Drew Lachey & Cheryl BurkeJerry Rice & Anna Trebunskaya31120September 12, 2006 (2006-09-12)November 15, 2006 (2006-11-15)Emmitt Smith & Cheryl BurkeMario Lopez & Karina Smirnoff41119March 19, 2007 (2007-03-19)May 22, 2007 (2007-05-22)Apolo Anton Ohno & Julianne HoughJoey Fatone & Kym Johnson51221September 24, 2007 (2007-09-24)November 27, 2007 (2007-11-27)Hélio Castroneves & Julianne HoughMel B & Maksim Chmerkovskiy61220March 17, 2008 (2008-03-17)May 20, 2008 (2008-05-20)Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark BallasJason Taylor & Edyta Śliwińska71321September 22, 2008 (2008-09-22)November 25, 2008 (2008-11-25)Brooke Burke & Derek HoughWarren Sapp & Kym Johnson81321March 9, 2009 (2009-03-09)May 19, 2009 (2009-05-19)Shawn Johnson & Mark BallasGilles Marini & Cheryl Burke91621September 21, 2009 (2009-09-21)November 24, 2009 (2009-11-24)Donny Osmond & Kym JohnsonMýa & Dmitry Chaplin101119March 22, 2010 (2010-03-22)May 25, 2010 (2010-05-25)Nicole Scherzinger & Derek HoughEvan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya111220September 20, 2010 (2010-09-20)November 23, 2010 (2010-11-23)Jennifer Grey & Derek HoughKyle Massey & Lacey Schwimmer121119March 21, 2011 (2011-03-21)May 24, 2011 (2011-05-24)Hines Ward & Kym JohnsonKirstie Alley & Maksim Chmerkovskiy131220September 19, 2011 (2011-09-19)November 22, 2011 (2011-11-22)J. R. Martinez & Karina SmirnoffRob Kardashian & Cheryl Burke141219March 19, 2012 (2012-03-19)May 22, 2012 (2012-05-22)Donald Driver & Peta MurgatroydKatherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas151319September 24, 2012 (2012-09-24)November 27, 2012 (2012-11-27)Melissa Rycroft & Tony DovolaniShawn Johnson & Derek Hough161220March 18, 2013 (2013-03-18)May 21, 2013 (2013-05-21)Kellie Pickler & Derek HoughZendaya & Valentin Chmerkovskiy171212September 16, 2013 (2013-09-16)November 26, 2013 (2013-11-26)Amber Riley & Derek HoughCorbin Bleu & Karina Smirnoff181212March 17, 2014 (2014-03-17)May 20, 2014 (2014-05-20)Meryl Davis & Maksim ChmerkovskiyAmy Purdy & Derek Hough191315September 15, 2014 (2014-09-15)November 25, 2014 (2014-11-25)Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney CarsonSadie Robertson & Mark Ballas201214March 16, 2015 (2015-03-16)May 19, 2015 (2015-05-19)Rumer Willis & Valentin ChmerkovskiyRiker Lynch & Allison Holker211314September 14, 2015 (2015-09-14)November 24, 2015 (2015-11-24)Bindi Irwin & Derek HoughNick Carter & Sharna Burgess221211March 21, 2016 (2016-03-21)May 24, 2016 (2016-05-24)Nyle DiMarco & Peta MurgatroydPaige VanZant & Mark Ballas231315September 12, 2016 (2016-09-12)November 22, 2016 (2016-11-22)Laurie Hernandez & Valentin ChmerkovskiyJames Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess241211March 20, 2017 (2017-03-20)May 23, 2017 (2017-05-23)Rashad Jennings & Emma SlaterDavid Ross & Lindsay Arnold251312September 18, 2017 (2017-09-18)November 21, 2017 (2017-11-21)Jordan Fisher & Lindsay ArnoldLindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas26104April 30, 2018 (2018-04-30)May 21, 2018 (2018-05-21)Adam Rippon & Jenna JohnsonJosh Norman & Sharna Burgess271311September 24, 2018 (2018-09-24)November 19, 2018 (2018-11-19)Bobby Bones & Sharna BurgessMilo Manheim & Witney Carson281211September 16, 2019 (2019-09-16)November 25, 2019 (2019-11-25)Hannah Brown & Alan BerstenKel Mitchell & Witney Carson291511September 14, 2020 (2020-09-14)November 23, 2020 (2020-11-23)Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem ChigvintsevNev Schulman & Jenna Johnson301511September 20, 2021 (2021-09-20)November 22, 2021 (2021-11-22)Iman Shumpert & Daniella KaragachJoJo Siwa & Jenna Johnson311611September 19, 2022 (2022-09-19)November 21, 2022 (2022-11-21)Charli D'Amelio & Mark BallasGabby Windey & Val Chmerkovskiy321411September 26, 2023 (2023-09-26)December 5, 2023 (2023-12-05)Xochitl Gomez & Val ChmerkovskiyJason Mraz & Daniella Karagach331310September 17, 2024 (2024-09-17)November 26, 2024 (2024-11-26)Joey Graziadei & Jenna JohnsonIlona Maher & Alan Bersten341412September 16, 2025 (2025-09-16)December 2, 2025 (2025-12-02)Robert Irwin & Witney CarsonAlix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy Notes

[edit] In the first two seasons, only the overall ranking between competitors by the judges and the public was relevant. In the third and subsequent seasons, the scoring system has also made the exact scores relevant. The scoring begins with the judges' marks. Each judge gives a numeric score from 1 to 10, for a total score of 3 to 30 or 40. The scoring was altered for the "all-star" season 15, during which judges could give scores at 1/2-point intervals from 0.5 to 10, for a total score of 1.5 to 30. When multiple performances are scored, only the cumulative total counts. The contestants' judges' shares are calculated as the percentage of the total number of points awarded to all contestants that evening. (For example, if a team earned 20 points on a night when the judges awarded 200 points, their judges' share would be 20/200 = 10%.) This percentage is then added to the percentage of North American votes received by each contestant. The two couples with the lowest scores are identified at the end of the show, and the couple with the lowest combined total gets eliminated. Season 8 added an occasional "dance-off", in which contestants could re-perform one of their dances, to improve their judges' score. This was later discontinued. Public voting is conducted via a toll-free number, the ABC website, and, most recently, text messages and Facebook; contestants can vote during and immediately after each performance show. The maximum number of votes per voter per medium is equal to the number of couples performing that night, or five votes, whichever is larger. In April 2010, it was revealed that former contestant Kate Gosselin had e-mailed friends and family asking them to vote as many as 10 times each. In November 2010, The Washington Post reported that online voting appeared not to require a valid email address, and accordingly that numerous votes apparently could be cast by one person. In several cases where ESPN coverage of Monday Night Football airs instead on an ABC affiliate in an NFL team's home market, the program is delayed to air immediately after that station's local news, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Nightline, and a voting window confined only to the area codes of the pre-empted market is opened up to allow affected viewers to still put their votes in for the competition, though this is on a market-by-market basis (in some markets, an alternate sister station or digital subchannel carries the program live as scheduled). Seasons 1 and 3 featured only two couples in the final week instead of three. Starting with season 16, four couples made it into the final week, although the top three finalists proceeded to dance one more time for the judges the next night after the fourth-place couple was announced. In seasons 20, 22, 24, and 26 there were three couples in the final week, but in seasons 21, 23, 25, 27–31 there were four, however in season 32, there was a change and five couples made it to the final. Starting in season 28, the two couples with the lowest combined total of judges' scores and viewer voting percentages are in the bottom two and in jeopardy of being eliminated. The judges can save one of the bottom two couples from elimination in these seasons so that more talented competitors are kept. In situations of a double elimination in which three teams are at risk of elimination, the couple with the lowest combined total of judges' scores and viewer votes is eliminated, and the other two couples will face the judges' decision, who have to vote to save one couple from elimination. However, for season 32, this was removed and reverted to the original rules used in the first 27 seasons.

[edit] Payment[edit] On the April 18, 2006, episode of the Howard Stern Radio Show, Stern's wife Beth said that she was guaranteed to earn $125,000 for just appearing on DWTS (in season 3) and could earn up to more than double the original sum, depending on how long she lasted on the program. In season 21, Bindi Irwin had her payments withheld by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge because she was a minor, which therefore required her parents to sign-off on the contract. But although her mother signed, the contract lacked her father's signature, so the judge refused to validate the contract, despite Irwin's father being naturalist and television personality Steve Irwin, who died in a stingray incident in 2006. The judge later validated the contract once Steve Irwin's death certificate was presented to the court, resulting in Bindi receiving a $350,000 paycheck from the show.

Withdrawals[edit] The first person to withdraw from competition was Romeo in season 2. His father, Master P, replaced him in the competition before the beginning of broadcasts, being partnered with Ashly DelGrosso. However, Romeo later competed in season 12 and finished in 5th place. He was partnered with Chelsie Hightower. On week six in season three, Sara Evans withdrew during the competition, citing her divorce as the reason for her departure. No one was eliminated that week. Another withdrawal occurred during preparations for season four on February 28, when Vincent Pastore withdrew from the competition after only one week of training. Pastore said he did not realize how much work was needed during a ten-week period, and that he was not up to the physical demands of the show. He was replaced on March 2 by actor John Ratzenberger who was partnered with Edyta Śliwińska. In season seven, Misty May-Treanor withdrew from the competition in week three, after rupturing her Achilles tendon when rehearsing her jive with her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. She did not perform the routine at all nor was she scored for it; no one else was eliminated that week. In season eight, Jewel and Nancy O'Dell were injured before the season began and could not compete. Jewel was diagnosed with fractured tibias in both legs; she would perform "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on a results show. O'Dell suffered from a torn knee cartilage. They were replaced by Holly Madison and Melissa Rycroft who would be dancing with their partners for the rest of the season (Dmitry Chaplin and Tony Dovolani). Tom DeLay, in season nine, withdrew in week three of competition due to a full stress fracture that had developed in both feet from an earlier pre-stress fracture in one foot. DeLay was declared safe before he announced his withdrawal during the October 6, 2009, results show. Debi Mazar was still eliminated that night despite DeLay's departure. In season sixteen, Olympic figure skating champion Dorothy Hamill had to withdraw from the competition due to doctor's orders for a spinal injury. A cyst had developed near her lower spine, and was pinching off the nerve in that area. Either boxing champion Victor Ortiz or reality television star Lisa Vanderpump would have been eliminated, but Hamill withdrew before the results could be announced, meaning that no one was eliminated that week. In season eighteen, week three, actor Billy Dee Williams withdrew, by advice from a doctor, due to a chronic back problem, which resulted in no elimination that week. In season twenty-one, week three, reality television star Kim Zolciak-Biermann was forced to withdraw from the competition after suffering a blood clot which resulted in a mini stroke, which resulted in no elimination that week. Tamar Braxton also withdrew from the season due to blood clots in her lungs making it the first season to have two withdrawals in it. In season twenty eight, Christie Brinkley withdrew from the competition a week before the season premiere, due to injuring her arm during rehearsal and needing sudden surgery. She was replaced by her daughter, Sailor, with only a few days to practice prior to the season premiere. Later that season, Ray Lewis withdrew from the competition in the third week due to a toe injury he sustained during rehearsal that needed surgery. In Season 29 during the 8th week, television host Jeannie Mai withdrew from the show after being hospitalized for epiglottitis. As a result, the double elimination that was supposed to happen did not take place. Only one couple, Chrishell Stause and Gleb Savchenko, were eliminated that night. In Season 31 during the 5th week, movie star Selma Blair withdrew from the show to prevent her health from further deteriorating due to her multiple sclerosis. This marks the first time where a celebrity got the first perfect score of the season and withdrew on the same episode. As a result, there was no elimination that first night of the 5th week.

[edit] Season 1 Dance Off[edit] Following controversy over Kelly Monaco surging from behind to win the first mirror ball trophy over the consistently strong John O'Hurley, ABC arranged for a "Dance Off" episode for a rematch on September 20, 2005. Both contestants were reunited with their professional dance partners, Alec Mazo (Monaco) and Charlotte Jørgensen (O'Hurley). Judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli awarded O'Hurley and Jørgensen with 77 points and Monaco and Mazo with 74, but for this specific competition only the audience vote counted. As announced by Tom Bergeron on September 22, the audience vote gave the rematch victory to O'Hurley with a slim 1% edge. Many considered this rematch a mistake and Kelly Monaco retains her title as the winner of season 1. A rematch episode was never staged again.

100th episode[edit] The show celebrated its 100th episode on May 6, 2008, during week 8 of season 6. More than 30 former cast members and pros returned, with interviews with Stacy Keibler, Lisa Rinna, Jerry Springer, Vivica A. Fox, Joey Fatone, Kenny Mayne, Sabrina Bryan, and former winners Kelly Monaco, Drew Lachey, and Apolo Anton Ohno. Other appearances, besides the season 6 cast, included Paula Abdul (in a video introduction), Jane Seymour, Ian Ziering, Mark Cuban, Wayne Newton, Leeza Gibbons, Harry Hamlin, Shandi Finnessey, and Hélio Castroneves. New routines were performed by Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough, Mel B and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and by Mario Lopez with the cast of A Chorus Line, in which he was starring on Broadway. The musical guest was country group Rascal Flatts.

Judges' top 10 dances The judges also presented a countdown of their choices for the top 10 perfect-scoring dances of the first five seasons. Their choices were:

No.

Celebrity

Professional

Season

Week

Dance

1

Mario Lopez

Karina Smirnoff

3

9

Tango

[edit] Cardio dance DVDs[edit] A DVD titled Dancing with the Stars: Cardio Dance was released on April 3, 2007, featuring Kym Johnson, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Ashly DelGrosso. The program contains cardiovascular workouts adapted from cha-cha, paso doble, samba, and jive dance routines. A second DVD titled Dancing with the Stars: Latin Cardio Dance was released on September 13, 2008, featuring Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Cheryl Burke. The program contains cardiovascular workouts adapted from cha-cha, Merengue, samba and mambo dance routines.

Companion book[edit] A companion book written by Guy Phillips was released in the early fall of 2007. Titled Dancing with the Stars: Jive, Samba and Tango Your Way into the Best Shape of Your Life, the book includes fitness routines modeled by Alec Mazo and Edyta Śliwińska, as well as original costume designs, lists of performed songs during a dance, and a complete list of song-and-dance routine performed since the first season of the show.[citation needed]

Spin-offs[edit] The first Dancing spin-off, Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann, premiered on January 7, 2008, on ABC. The show's format was similar to the BBC Television series, DanceX. The show was canceled after one season. A figure skating spin-off similar to ITV's Dancing on Ice called Skating with the Stars aired on ABC on November 22, 2010. The series was canceled after one season. On May 16, 2017, another spin-off, Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, was announced. The dance competition spin-off was originally set to premiere in the spring of 2018 on ABC, and the format of the show featured celebrity children and the children of celebrities paired with professional junior ballroom dancers. In January 2018, ABC said that Dancing with the Stars: Juniors was still in development, though it wasn’t progressing as quickly as expected. Instead, Athletes aired in its place, while Juniors had initially been planned for a summer release. Then, in May 2018, it was announced that the show would premiere on October 7, 2018, with filming scheduled for August 2018. Professional skateboarder Sky Brown, junior pro JT Church and pro mentor Alan Bersten were announced as the winners on December 9, 2018. The show, however, was cancelled after one season. A fourth spin-off, Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, will premiere on July 13, 2026. It will feature up-and-coming professional dancers living in a house together who will compete in an audition process to determine who will join the main series as a pro.

Dancing with the Stars: The Game[edit] In 2016, ABC, together with BBC Worldwide, commissioned a companion mobile game. The match-3 game, published by Donut Publishing and developed by Exient Entertainment, uses a mix of hand animation and motion-captured data for the dances in the game. The game uses pro dancers from Strictly Come Dancing, and features nine dances: Quickstep, Jive, Tango, Salsa, Charleston, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, and Paso Doble.

[edit] In 2016, a New York Times study of the 50 television shows with the most Facebook Likes found that "unlike So You Think You Can Dance, which is generally more of a city show, Dancing with the Stars is most popular in the countryside. It also has a higher share of 'likes' from viewers aged 65 and up than any other show." Coverage has noted the evolving reception of Dancing with the Stars among younger audiences, particularly Generation Z. The New York Times reported that the show has gained visibility on platforms such as TikTok, where performance clips attract younger viewers. Coverage has also emphasized its continued cross-generational appeal, combining renewed interest from long-time viewers with attention from younger audiences through challenging stereotypes, entry to dance, trends in dance styles, iconic choreography, and lasting impact.

U.S. Nielsen ratings[edit]

Season

Timeslot (ET)

No. ofepisodes

Season premiere

Season finale

Televisionseason

Viewershipranking

Viewers(in millions)

Date

Viewers(in millions)

Date

Viewers(in millions)

1

Wednesday 9:00pm

6

June 1, 2005

13.48

July 6, 2005

22.36

2004–05

—N/a

2

Thursday 8:00pmFriday 8:00pm

[edit] Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)

Even though it isn’t a holiday‑specific programme, the timing of the winter series has made it a seasonal staple for many families. The glittering costumes, festive lighting and occasional Christmas‑themed dances turn the ballroom into a cosy living‑room gathering spot. Viewers often schedule their holiday feasts around the weekly broadcast, making it a shared ritual similar to the annual Christmas crackers. The blend of familiar music, celebrity guests and the warm, communal vibe mirrors the spirit of Christmas, which is why the show’s winter run feels like an unofficial holiday tradition.

If you’re planning a festive binge, pick the episodes that line up with your holiday calendar. The first week usually introduces the celebrity line‑up, perfect for a low‑key evening before the kitchen gets chaotic. Mid‑season episodes often feature themed dances – think “Winter Wonderland” or “Nutcracker” – which pair well with a cup of mulled wine. The finale is the climactic night, ideal for a post‑gift‑wrapping treat. To avoid spoilers, set a reminder for the live broadcast or use the Disney+ on‑demand option, but remember that the live voting element adds a bit of real‑time excitement that streaming can’t replicate.

Most viewers assume the show is purely a talent contest, but the judges’ scores are only half the story. Audience voting, often driven by the celebrity’s popularity rather than dance ability, plays a decisive role, especially in the later rounds. This means a technically flawless routine can be edged out by a charismatic performance that resonates with the public. Understanding this dynamic helps you appreciate the strategic choices contestants make – sometimes opting for showmanship over precision to win the hearts of the voting public, which is why the show feels as much about personality as it does about dance.