The cultural phenomenon of Dancing with the Stars has drawn viewers in since 2005, and it has finally returned to the screens of fans for its thirty-fourth season. With the increase in attention and influx of newer audiences this year, Season 34 is the most viewed season of the show so far. This is surprising for many, as other seasons have had notable A-list cast members, such as Kim Kardashian, Simone Biles, Zendaya, and Joey McIntyre. Many lifelong fans of the show are curious as to why this season in particular is so popular. Although this year shows a significant rise of interest in Dancing with the Stars, the show has always been prominent in pop culture because of the star studded cast. Amongst this cast of celebrities (the stars), each is partnered with a professional ballroom dancer (the pros), and is tasked with performing a themed dance every week. As the episodes continue, the better dancers move forward through elimination, and the competition grows fierce. People enjoy watching the show because it is interesting to see celebrities outside of their comfort zone, learning something new. Freshman Rory Bray states, “I like watching Dancing with the Stars because celebrities are putting themselves in a vulnerable position, and people get to vote on who stays in the competition, which makes it interactive.” 

The celebrity cast this season consists of Alix Earle, Andy Richter, Baron Davis, Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Dylan Efron, Elaine Hendrix, Hilaria Baldwin, Jen Affleck, Jordan Chiles, Lauren Jauregui, Robert Irwin, Scott Hoying, and Whitney Leavitt. The well-loved pros return to the show. This year, the cast’s emphasis on social media promo and advertisement can be credited to the groundbreaking success of the season. The season premiere alone drew in 8.13 million viewers after three days of multi-platform viewing, which is a significant 18% increase from the previous year. The incorporation of social media platforms, such as TikTok, has brought a newer audience to the show. Each “star” and “pro” includes the fans with their journey with behind the scenes videos. A significant example of the newly incorporated presence of social media is the inclusion of rising social media stars, including TikTok influencer Alix Earle, and two cast members from the show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” which features a group of mormon mom TikTok influencers. Senior Mary Slankas commented, “I’ve never watched Dancing with the Stars before, but I’ve been watching this season because of Alix Earle.”

As the season rolls into its seventh week, it is important to take note of who remains in the competition. The remaining teams are Robert Irwin & Witney Carson, Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy, Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas, Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik, Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa, Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach, Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov, and Andy Richter & Emma Slater. Although every pairing has made considerable progress as the season has progressed, fans have already begun predicting who they believe have the strongest chance at winning the trophy at the end of the season. Many viewers note Whitney Leavitt’s natural talent in dancing, as well as Alix Earle’s hard work and dedication. Sophomore Anna Galvin states, “There are a lot of very athletic and talented people this season. I am rooting for Robert Iwrin because I can tell he is working hard and has great natural talent.” However, not everybody who watches the show judges based solely on talent. Although not as technically advanced as his competition, Andy Richter has remained in the competition for a considerable amount of time because fans appreciate his spirited attitude and cheerful personality. 

As the date of the finale, November 25th, grows nearer, both newer audiences and lifelong fans come together to make predictions about the show’s ending. However, it is not just the anticipation for the finale that makes viewers young and old tune in every week. It is also the carefree and supportive idea of the show. In a modern society with so much chaos going on, the lighthearted competition restores a sense of community as different generations find a way to connect through media. Now, as the competition narrows, excitement continues to build over who will claim the title in 2025.