Season 33 of Dancing With The Stars delivered on high expectations, introducing viewers to a memorable cast of personalities like Ilona Maher, Dwight Howard, and Reginald VelJohnson. The genuine connections formed, especially the friendships between Rylee Arnold and Ilona, and Alan Bersten, brought a renewed vibrancy to the dance competition. However, despite the season’s overall success and the deserving win of Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, the finale felt somewhat lacking, especially in its pacing and focus.
Too Much Recap, Not Enough Dancing?
The judges from Dancing with the Stars on Halloween Night.
The finale showcased incredible performances, particularly Stephen and Rylee’s dynamic freestyle and Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s captivating routine. Even the typical judges’ drama, highlighted by Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique of “underwhelming choreography,” was present. Yet, a significant portion of the finale felt rushed and misallocated, diminishing the overall celebratory atmosphere.
A considerable chunk of the first thirty minutes was dedicated to recapping the season’s events. While revisiting the contestants’ journeys and expressions of gratitude is appreciated, dedicating half an hour to it felt excessive. A more concise recap could have served the same purpose without sacrificing precious time during the most anticipated episode. Furthermore, revisiting the judges’ critiques of each couple’s weakest dances felt redundant. These comments had already been delivered in previous episodes, and reiterating them in the finale felt like unnecessary filler. Instead, the judges could have briefly highlighted dances they wished to see again during the redemption round, streamlining the segment and maintaining momentum.
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Where Was the Winner’s Celebration?
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson next to each other for a Collider interview about
Despite these pacing issues, the finale remained enjoyable. However, the most significant disappointment was the brevity of the winner’s celebration. After Alfonso Ribeiro announced Joey and Jenna as the mirrorball champions, the credits rolled almost immediately. The newly crowned winners were given less than thirty seconds to speak, cutting short any potential speeches. Similarly, Ilona and Alan, the second-place finishers, were denied a proper moment to reflect on their impressive journey, especially considering Ilona was often labeled the “weakest link.” The finale would have greatly benefited from dedicating more time to the winners and allowing the entire cast to celebrate together, rather than focusing on repeated commentary.
Streaming Season 33 and Beyond
Despite the finale’s shortcomings, Season 33 of Dancing With The Stars was a resounding success. If you missed any of the excitement or want to relive the dazzling dances, Dancing With The Stars is readily available for streaming in the US on Disney+. This provides a convenient way to catch up on all the episodes, including the finale, and witness the journey of your favorite contestants. For future seasons, a more balanced finale structure, prioritizing the winner’s celebration, would undoubtedly enhance the viewing experience. Hopefully, next season will dedicate the final moments to the champions and the joyous culmination of their hard work and dedication.
Dancing With The Stars continues to be a beloved reality TV staple. With easy streaming access on platforms like Disney+, fans can readily immerse themselves in the world of dance competition and celebrity performances.
