In the realm of popular culture, dance competition shows have waltzed their way into the hearts of viewers worldwide. In the UK, Strictly Come Dancing isn’t just a television program; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a national institution that signals the arrival of autumn and captivates audiences right through to Christmas. As the BBC’s flagship Saturday night entertainment, Strictly, often fondly remembered by its original title Come Dancing, broadcasts live, with results revealed on Sunday evenings. This anticipation and national conversation solidify its place in British life.
Across the Atlantic, Dancing with the Stars enjoys significant popularity in the US. However, it doesn’t quite seem to command the same fervent, cult-like following as its UK counterpart, Strictly Come Dancing. American seasons are also structured differently, typically lasting around 12 weeks, and the ABC network often airs two seasons annually. Both shows share a similar format, featuring celebrities from diverse backgrounds, including sports, music, and entertainment. The professional dancers in the US are undoubtedly talented, mirroring the high caliber of those in the UK, though perhaps they don’t occupy quite the same central spotlight.
Dancing with the Stars graces US screens on Monday nights and, airing on a commercial network, incorporates frequent commercial breaks. To a British viewer accustomed to the pacing of Strictly, the US show can appear very conscious of time constraints. Training footage of celebrities is noticeably more concise and focused. Even the dance performances themselves seem slightly shorter, ranging from approximately 75 to 80 seconds, a touch less expansive than what viewers might expect from Come Dancing‘s successor.
This difference in pacing extends to the judges’ commentary. While Dancing with the Stars features familiar UK judges like Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli on its panel of four, the judging approach differs subtly from the UK style. Comments tend to lean towards the positive. Even when a celebrity delivers a less-than-stellar performance, judges often find something upbeat to say. Scoring also appears more generous. A case in point is former NBA star Lamar Odom’s Viennese waltz, where despite struggling with performance aspects beyond the steps, he received scores ranging from 4 to 7. It seemed that fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba and guest judge Leah Remini contributed to this more lenient scoring environment.
Ultimately, while both Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars offer glitz, glamour, and celebrity dance-offs, Strictly, with its roots in the beloved Come Dancing tradition, holds a unique and arguably more deeply ingrained position within the cultural fabric of the UK.
