DWTS: Is it worth the watch?
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) has already caused much controversy only halfway into its 10-week air. Between the actions of celebrity dancers and a questionable guest judge, the show started conversations among the public and media outlets this fall. Let’s recap the most memorable moments so far.
The first major buzz arose when DWTS introduced Anna Delvey, who was convicted for multiple counts of grand larceny and theft in 2019, as a celebrity dancer this season. The show glamorized this criminal activity by showing off her bedazzled ankle monitor in week one. By week two, she was cut in the first elimination round for the season, and Delvey did not hide her frustration.
Right after announcing Delvey’s elimination, Julianne Hough, first year host of DWTS and previous professional dancer (pro) on the show, asked what she learned this season. Delvey said, “Nothing.”
The drama did not stop there. Delvey’s dance partner, Ezra Sosa, decided to commemorate his first season as a pro dancer on the show with a tattoo on his shoulder that showcased Delvey’s infamous quote, “Nothing,” and the number 33 in honor of this season. He posted this on a TikTok video, and many DWTS cast members showed mixed reactions to his decision, according to The Blast.
After the backlash from Delvey post-elimination, rumors arose that she may not be welcomed back for the finale. Customarily, DWTS invites all couples back to the ballroom for the final episode of the season. Radar Online released an exclusive story online Oct. 14 revealing that an insider from DWTS claims Delvey will not be asked to return because the “producers are not interested in dealing with all the chaos and baggage the con artist-turned socialite will bring.”
Amid this chaos, DWTS was delayed for a week because of the vice-presidential debate, and the following week included a two-night special, which included “Soul Train Night” Oct. 7 and “Hair Metal Night” Oct. 8. “Soul Train Night” hosted guest judge Rosie Perez who effectively judged with her experience as a dancer on the musical variety show “Soul Train.” However, the “Hair Metal Night” proved to be disastrous.
Gene Simmons, musician from rock band Kiss, created an uncomfortable atmosphere as a guest judge. His comments were lacking in substance and only referenced the appearances of contestants rather than their dance abilities. In a recent article, Entertainment Weekly said, “Simmons drew much ire for his comments about female contestants’ appearance, his bizarre, all-over-the-map scoring, and his perceived favoritism to those he thought was hot.”
His most shocking move was scoring TV personality Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy at a five while all other judges scored her at a seven. Interestingly enough, DWTS cast members did not hold back on their frustration with Simmons’ actions on the show. The following week, judge Derek Hough refuted Simmons’ comments by breaking his score paddle on the live broadcast.
Through all the controversial events this season, this brings up the question whether fans should continue watching. IMBD categorizes the show under “family” media, which ranks it among PG animated films and other family-friendly shows. Although, this season of DWTS glamorizes criminals and has sexualized many dances to the point where I would not recommend families allow their young children to tune in.
Kara Wheeler, the prayer ministry assistant for LU Shepherd, has watched the show since day one.
“In my opinion, DWTS is becoming more about the society and not about family entertainment,” Wheeler said. “It’s to the point where I don’t really want to watch it anymore.”
The biggest redemption for DWTS so far was the week five “Dedication Night” that aired on Oct. 15. Between the breakthrough dance from retired NFL player Danny Amendola and the tearjerking performance by Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Hough after recovery from her life-threatening health issues, the show kept fans enthralled with the true art of dance.
Junior Zoey Cummings thinks Amendola may have secured his top spot with this dance.
“After that performance, I think that Danny is going to have a Mirrorball Trophy to go on his shelf next to his Super Bowl trophies,” Cummings said.
With eight couples remaining, DWTS will continue for five more weeks. Tune in on Tuesdays from 8-10 p.m. to see who will win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy for season 33. Stream on ABC platforms or Disney+.
Garman is a copy editor for the Liberty Champion.
