Therapist POV: Why is Everyone Obsessed with Dancing With the Stars?
Blog Written by Madeline Weinfeld Shill, LCSW
As a longtime and admittedly serious fan of the show, I’ve been thrilled to see the renewed interest, or dare I say, obsession, with Dancing With the Stars this season. As a therapist, I couldn’t help but wonder: what is it about this show that’s drawing in so many people, myself included? Why are viewers of all ages collectively gathering on Tuesday nights with such enthusiasm and even passion for a televised dance competition?
Below, I’ve outlined a few of my professional and personal theories on why DWTS is resonating so deeply right now.
It’s Fun!
In a time when the world can feel particularly heavy and we’re often inundated with a constant stream of sad, scary, and overwhelming news, Dancing With the Stars offers a welcome reprieve. The show is joyful; from the music to the costumes and set design, it is loud, colorful, and unapologetically feel-good.
In this way, the ritual of tuning in each week may actually serve as a form of emotional regulation for viewers whose nervous systems are often taxed by the weight of the news cycle, social media, dark documentaries, and the stress of their daily personal lives.
A Sense of Community and Connection
The DWTS community is strong, and it’s created a real sense of connection for people. I have an active DWTS group chat that shares updates, clips, and reactions all week long. This has become an effortless way to stay connected with friends through our shared enjoyment of the show.
Beyond that, social media has made the experience even more communal. Watching along with others online makes me feel part of something larger than the typically solitary act of watching TV. In a time marked by so much divisiveness, it’s refreshing to feel connected to others through something as simple and joyful as this show.
Vulnerability on Display
One of the most compelling aspects of DWTS is the vulnerability it showcases. We get to see another side of celebrities, people often portrayed as polished or unreachable, as they step out of their comfort zones to learn something completely new.
There’s something universally relatable about watching aspirational people struggle, improve, and keep showing up despite discomfort. Their willingness to fail publicly in the pursuit of growth feels very human, and offers both relatability and inspiration to viewers.
Nostalgia and Comfort
This year marks the show’s 20th anniversary, and for many viewers, tuning in feels like returning to an old friend. The format, the ballroom, and even some of the judges have remained consistent since the early seasons, offering a comforting sense of familiarity amid a fast-paced and ever-changing world.
While platforms like TikTok have expanded the show’s reach and modernized its fan engagement, the heart of DWTS remains rooted in nostalgia and ritual. That predictability can be regulating — something steady to hold onto when so much around us feels uncertain.
I know I look forward to my Tuesday night Dancing With the Stars ritual, and I love that so many others are finding joy in it too. Beyond the glitter and the choreography, the show has become a small but meaningful way to connect — with friends, with a larger community, and perhaps even with a lighter part of ourselves.
And if you haven’t started watching yet, I’d say this is your sign to give it a try!
