On Monday night ABC premiered the 12th season of their long running reality series Dancing With the Stars. The competition has brought the art of ballroom dancing into the main stream and it has become the one stop shop for celebrities who want to revive their careers.
Some of the contestants this season include Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid), Kirstie Alley (Cheers), and Kendra Wilkinson (former Playmate and reality TV star). Dancing With the Star’s premiere was the highest rated show last night with 22.3 million viewers but despite its great reception that number is underwhelming compared to its predecessors. The last time DWTS debuted in the low 20 million range was in March 2008 when it pulled 21.2 million.
This year’s premiere was down 20 percent compared to last season. Why do you think that is? There are many things you can factor but we think the main problem is the cast and the professionals. The actual performances play second fiddle to the personal stories and behind the scenes footage of the celebrities and their partners when they’re most vulnerable. That’s what viewers really tune in for.
After the cast was officially announced, there was an overall cry of “Who are these people and who considers them celebrities?”. A lot of fans were only familiar with a few of this season’s contestants, which makes it hard for the show to maintain its massive appeal. It’s difficult to root for someone you don’t know and aren’t interested in.
On the other hand, the ratings may be down because one of the show’s most popular professional dancers isn’t on this year. Derek Hough, multiple DWTS champion and older brother of Julianne Hough, decided not to return to the show. He’s currently working on a film entitled Cobu 3-D, which can be described as Romeo and Juliet meets Step Up. His absence is greatly felt. He was a fan favorite and his routines were always fun and entertaining.
Overall, we’re not personally invested in this season as much as we have been in the past. Hopefully as it progresses this feeling will change but for now, it’s hit or miss. What did you think of last night’s Dancing With the Stars premiere? Did you tune in?
