Report Card: Did ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 20 deliver?

We’re at the end of a TV season, and that of course means that it is time to render the verdict on some of the shows that aired throughout. We’re going to start here with “Dancing with the Stars,” a show that has managed to show quite a bit of longevity despite being in its 20th season. The ratings are still solid all things considered, and while singing shows are currently in the midst of a decline, it has found a way to be consistent every year. Maybe getting a new crop of contestants every time is a big reason for that.

What worked – For the most part, the show stuck to what it does best. You care tremendously about the contestants and their story, and you therefore want to see them make it as far as they possibly can. Casting is probably never going to be able to get huge names, but typically, by the end of the season you don’t really care if you had never heard of someone like Noah Galloway before it started. As a matter of fact, they really start to endear themselves to you, and their underdog story makes you want to root for them even more.

What didn’t – We don’t like the change-up during the season. Keep the show with their original partners! Also, what we wouldn’t give to have a season at this point where someone like Artem or Tony is paired with one of the young, athletic stars, while Derek ends up working with someone a little more unexpected (provided he returns).

Overall – “Dancing with the Stars” is never going to be the greatest show of all time. It’s fun, occasionally inspiring, and above all fun family entertainment that at least introduces you to new people every season. Grade: B.

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