On June 1, 2005, television screens flickered to life with the debut of Dancing with the Stars, a show that would twirl its way into the hearts of millions and revolutionize the dance entertainment landscape. Initially conceived as a limited, six-week summer series by ABC, the network aimed to bridge the gap in programming before the fall season’s scripted dramas took center stage. Little did they know, they were on the cusp of a phenomenon that would extend far beyond a single summer.
Six professional dancers, Louis Van Amstel, Edyta Sliwinska, Jonathan Roberts, Ashly DelGrosso Costa, Charlotte Jorgensen, and Alec Mazo, embarked on this venture, partnering with celebrities who were ready to trade their usual routines for rigorous rehearsals and dazzling dance floors. The inaugural cast of celebrities included Trista Sutter, Evander Holyfield, Rachel Hunter, Joey McIntyre, John O’Hurley, and Kelly Monaco. None could have predicted the cultural sensation that was about to unfold.
Tom Bergeron took on hosting duties, initially alongside Lisa Canning for the first season. The judging panel, which would become iconic, featured Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Len Goodman, providing critiques and scores as Harold Wheeler and his orchestra filled the studio with live music.
The premiere episode captivated over 13 million viewers, a number that swelled to 15 million by the second week as word-of-mouth spread like wildfire. Dancing with the Stars quickly became the must-watch show of the summer, effortlessly securing a renewal for a second season.
The first season culminated in a victory for General Hospital star Kelly Monaco and her partner Alec Mazo, who were awarded the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. However, the win sparked debate among viewers, many of whom felt that John O’Hurley and Charlotte Jorgensen, known for their elegance and grace on the dance floor, were more deserving. Accusations of ABC favoritism arose, leading to an unprecedented dance-off in September 2005. This special event allowed viewers to vote again, and this time, John O’Hurley was declared the winner, triumphing “by 1 percent of the ‘millions’ of votes cast,” according to reports at the time.
Years later, Kelly Monaco returned to the ballroom for the All-Stars season (Season 15), showcasing her improved dance skills and finishing in a commendable third place with Val Chmerkovskiy.
The overwhelming success of the first season paved the way for a swift return to television. Season 2 of DWTS premiered just months later on January 5, 2006. Expanding on the format, it featured 10 couples, introduced six new professional dancers, and extended its broadcast to include a 90-minute show on Mondays and a one-hour results show on Tuesdays. With its popularity firmly established, Dancing with the Stars cemented its place as a television institution, marking the beginning of a long and glittering legacy.
