Dancing With the Stars, the venerable ABC ballroom competition, has achieved a significant milestone, securing a nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Series at the upcoming 76th Emmy Awards. This recognition marks the first time in a decade that the show has been included in this prestigious category, signaling a renewed appreciation from the Television Academy for its enduring appeal and production quality. The announcement of the 2024 Emmy nominations has ignited widespread celebration among the show’s cast, crew, and dedicated fanbase, validating years of consistent effort and adaptation in an increasingly competitive television landscape.
A Resurgent Journey: From Prime Time Staple to Emmy Contender
Since its debut in June 2005, Dancing With the Stars has captivated millions, transforming celebrities into ballroom dancers and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The show, which pairs professional dancers with celebrity partners to compete for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, quickly established itself as a cornerstone of ABC’s prime-time programming. Its early seasons were met with considerable critical and popular acclaim, consistently drawing large audiences and fostering a loyal following. Over its extensive run, the series has not only provided dazzling entertainment but has also showcased incredible transformations, emotional journeys, and the rigorous discipline of professional dance.
While Dancing With the Stars has been a frequent presence at the Emmy Awards throughout its history, its recognition has primarily come in the form of craft nominations and wins, such as Outstanding Choreography, Lighting Design, and Makeup. These accolades consistently highlighted the show’s exceptional production values and the artistic talent behind the scenes. However, the last time it received a nomination for the top Reality Competition Series award was in 2016, a testament to the highly competitive nature of the category, which has often been dominated by critically acclaimed and innovative series. The decade-long absence from this marquee category underscored the challenge of maintaining relevance and critical recognition for long-running shows in an evolving television landscape.
The 2024 nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Series, therefore, represents more than just a nod; it is a powerful affirmation of the show’s enduring quality and its successful navigation through various changes, including a historic move to Disney+ for its 31st and 32nd seasons before returning to a simulcast model on ABC and Disney+ for its 33rd and 34th seasons. This strategic shift and subsequent return to broadcast television for a wider audience base appears to have revitalized its standing within the industry.
Chronology of Emmy Recognition and Production Evolution
Dancing With the Stars has a rich history with the Television Academy, marked by periods of peak recognition and subsequent shifts in focus.
- 2006-2016: A Consistent Presence in the Main Category: Following its initial success, DWTS quickly became an Emmy staple. It secured its first nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Program in 2006, just a year after its premiere. For the next decade, the show was a regular contender in this category, often competing against established giants like The Amazing Race and Top Chef. While it earned numerous nominations, a win in this specific category eluded the show, frequently losing to programs lauded for their innovative formats or global reach.
- Craft Category Dominance: Despite not winning the top reality competition prize, DWTS consistently excelled in technical and creative craft categories. It amassed an impressive collection of Emmy wins for its outstanding choreography, lighting design, costume design, and makeup. These awards celebrated the intricate artistry and technical prowess required to produce a live dance competition on a weekly basis, demonstrating the show’s high production standards even as critical attention for the main category waned.
- 2017-2023: The Decade-Long Gap: After its 2016 nomination, Dancing With the Stars entered a period where its presence in the Reality Competition Series category diminished. While it continued to be nominated and win in craft categories, the show faced increased competition from newer, often edgier, reality formats that captured the zeitgeist. This era saw the rise of shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Voice, which began to dominate the category. During this time, DWTS underwent significant changes, including host transitions (most notably, the departure of long-time host Tom Bergeron) and, critically, a move to streaming platform Disney+ for two seasons (Seasons 31 and 32) in 2022 and 2023.
- The Return to Broadcast and Renewed Vigor: The decision to bring Dancing With the Stars back to ABC for a simulcast with Disney+ for Season 33 (Fall 2023) and Season 34 (Spring 2024, if two seasons were aired in the relevant eligibility period) proved to be a pivotal moment. This move not only broadened its accessibility but also seemed to inject fresh energy into the production. The current nomination for the 76th Emmy Awards (honoring programming from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024) directly reflects this renewed vigor and the successful execution of recent seasons.
Supporting Data and Analysis of Enduring Appeal
The longevity of Dancing With the Stars is a remarkable feat in an industry where many shows struggle to last beyond a few seasons. Its ability to attract a broad demographic, from families to older viewers, has been a key factor in its sustained success. While specific viewership numbers for recent seasons are not always publicly detailed for simulcasts, the show has historically commanded millions of viewers per episode, making it a reliable performer for ABC.
The show’s format, combining celebrity appeal with the universal language of dance, has allowed it to adapt and evolve without straying too far from its core identity. It consistently features a diverse array of celebrities, from actors and musicians to athletes and public figures, ensuring a fresh cast and new narratives each season. The high production values, live orchestra, elaborate costumes, and intricate choreography contribute to a spectacle that remains compelling.
In an era saturated with reality television, Dancing With the Stars stands out for its generally positive and uplifting tone. Unlike many reality competition shows that thrive on drama, conflict, or extreme challenges, DWTS emphasizes personal growth, artistic expression, and the supportive bonds formed between partners and the wider cast. This focus on "unity, camaraderie, and positivity," as noted by Mirrorball champion Witney Carson, resonates with an audience seeking feel-good entertainment. The show has a unique ability to bring families together, offering a shared viewing experience that transcends generational divides.
The show’s ability to garner five Emmy nominations this year, including for technical categories such as Makeup for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program; Hairstyling for a Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Program; Technical Direction/Camerawork for a Series; and Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Series, underscores the consistent excellence of its production team. These craft nominations highlight the meticulous attention to detail required to deliver a live, visually stunning show week after week. The complexity of managing multiple live camera feeds, intricate lighting cues, and rapid costume and makeup changes for a large cast is a significant logistical challenge, and the repeated recognition in these categories affirms the crew’s exceptional skill.
Official Responses and Widespread Celebration
The news of the Emmy nomination has been met with an outpouring of joy and gratitude from the Dancing With the Stars family, underscoring the deep personal investment of everyone involved.
Conrad Green, the showrunner, expressed profound honor in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s a huge honor for the show to be nominated again in the reality competition category," Green stated. He emphasized the dedication of the team, describing their work as a "labor of love," particularly after two decades on air. Green extended his gratitude to the entire ecosystem of the show, including "our wonderful hosts and judges, our amazing dancers, the celebrities who put themselves on the line each season, and the many fans who have supported us along the way." His words reflect the collective effort and passion that sustain such a long-running and complex production.
Executive producer and casting head Deena Katz echoed Green’s sentiments, highlighting the significance of the nomination in the show’s 34th season (referring to the cumulative season count). "To be recognized in our 34th season is an extraordinary honor and means the world to our entire Dancing With the Stars family," Katz remarked. She conveyed deep gratitude to the Television Academy, as well as to the "amazing cast, crew, creative team, and loyal fans whose passion and support have made this journey possible." Her statement reinforces the idea that this recognition is a shared victory, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the creators and their audience.
The celebration extended to social media, where many professional dancers and judges shared their excitement. Alan Bersten, a prominent professional dancer on the show, articulated the collective sentiment on Instagram, writing, "This is massive." He followed up with an Instagram Story, exclaiming, "I don’t think you understand how special this is!!! This show is finally getting the recognition it deserves!!" His enthusiastic reaction perfectly encapsulated the feeling of long-awaited vindication for a show often celebrated by its audience but sometimes overlooked by industry awards in the main categories.
Witney Carson, a Mirrorball champion and beloved professional dancer, took to her Instagram Story to share a heartfelt message. "I have been so excited all morning, so proud! Dancing With the Stars got an Emmy nomination. I really can’t think of a show that deserves it more, honestly, and I know I’m biased because I’m a part of it, but truly I feel like we’re one of the only reality series’ that promotes unity, camaraderie, positivity. We bring joy, we bring families together not apart, it’s such an amazing show to be a part of," Carson wrote. Her words articulated a core reason for the show’s enduring popularity and distinct identity within the reality genre.
Britt Stewart, another professional dancer, reposted the nomination announcement, writing on her Instagram Story, "Absolutely amazing!! I’m so proud of my Dancing With the Stars family for this incredible recognition!! FINALLY! After 10 years I still can’t believe I’m part of such an amazing show." Her emphasis on "FINALLY" resonated deeply with fans and colleagues who felt the show’s quality had long warranted such an honor.
Judge Derek Hough, a multiple Emmy winner for his choreography on the show and a former professional dancer, shared an Instagram video expressing his pride. "Huge congratulations to my Dancing With the Stars family on an absolutely incredible Emmy nomination. Guys, this is so well deserved, and honestly, it’s about time," Hough stated, echoing the common sentiment. "Being part of a show like this for 20 years that’s pure joy, pure entertainment, I couldn’t be more proud." His long history with the show lends significant weight to his endorsement.
Julianne Hough, a former judge and the current host of the show, also celebrated the nomination on her Instagram Story. "Truly an honor to see our show nominated for an Emmy! I am beyond thrilled that our family and team of individuals are receiving this recognition for all the hard work, creativity and passion they offer year after year! Dream team," she wrote, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives the production.
Even Tom Bergeron, the show’s beloved former longtime host who made a special return as a guest judge in season 34, joined the chorus of congratulations. He simply but powerfully commented "Bravo!!" under ABC’s Instagram post, acknowledging the achievement of his former colleagues.
Broader Impact and Implications for the Franchise
This Emmy nomination carries significant implications for Dancing With the Stars and its future trajectory. For a show in its 34th season, such a high-profile nomination can provide a considerable boost in prestige and visibility. It may attract new viewers who are drawn to critically acclaimed programming, potentially rejuvenating its audience base. For the cast and crew, it serves as a powerful morale booster, affirming their dedication and hard work.
The recognition also comes at a crucial time for the Dancing With the Stars franchise, as ABC is actively expanding its universe. The network is currently gearing up for the release of The Next Pro, the first official extension of the franchise. This spinoff series aims to crown one upcoming dancer as the next professional to join the main cast of Dancing With the Stars season 35. The Emmy nomination for the flagship show provides an excellent promotional platform for this new venture, lending credibility and heightened interest to the nascent spinoff. It signals to potential contestants and viewers of The Next Pro that the parent series is not only popular but also critically respected.
In the highly competitive Reality Competition Series category, Dancing With the Stars faces formidable contenders. It will compete against RuPaul’s Drag Race, a show that has dominated the category in recent years with its cultural impact and fierce artistry; Survivor, a long-running strategic game known for its innovative challenges; Top Chef, a critically lauded culinary competition; and The Traitors, a relatively new but incredibly popular psychological thriller series. This diverse lineup represents the pinnacle of reality competition television, making Dancing With the Stars‘ inclusion all the more remarkable. While the competition is stiff, the nomination itself is a victory, solidifying the show’s position among the elite in its genre.
The Road Ahead: Emmy Night and Beyond
The 76th Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast live on Monday, September 14, on NBC, with a live stream available on Peacock. Actress Mariska Hargitay has been announced as the host for the evening, promising an engaging celebration of television excellence. For Dancing With the Stars, Emmy night will be the culmination of a decade-long wait, an opportunity to potentially bring home the top prize in its category for the first time. Regardless of the outcome, the nomination has already secured its place as a pivotal moment in the show’s illustrious history, reigniting enthusiasm and affirming its enduring legacy in the world of television entertainment. The entire list of 2024 Emmy nominations offers a comprehensive look at the year’s outstanding achievements across various categories, with Dancing With the Stars proudly featured among the best.
