What do a celebrity chef, TV news reporter and professional NBA basketball player all have in common? They have all been featured as stars on the hit reality show, “Dancing with the Stars.”

The show has been on air since 2005 and has since garnered millions of fans across the globe.

The show spotlights different well-known figures as they are partnered with a professional dance partner and required to learn and perform a dance each week. These dances range from traditional Latin ballroom dances like the samba to more modern styles such as contemporary.

The contest requires intense preparation from participants, since many lack a dance background. Despite the sport being incredibly technical, the show has become a defining spectacle of entertainment for the 21st century.

The origins of “Dancing with the Stars” lie across the pond in England, where a similar show by the name of “Strictly Come Dancing” captured the attention of millions of viewers according to an article published by The Independent. This show was practically identical to the version that was produced in America, and was highly successful.

According to an article published by Reuters, BBC producers workshopped the idea for “Strictly Come Dancing” to American producers, who were less than warm to the proposal.

In an interview with Reuters, ABC programming executive, John Saade said, “It was everything you feared the concept would be: fairly stiff ballroom dancing… very quaint, very cute, very British – but not a show anybody would watch.”

Although they were hesitant, the executives watched the first season of “Strictly Come Dancing” when it aired in May 2004. After being thoroughly surprised with the captivating first episode, they started lobbying for ABC officials to greenlight an American version.

So, when you think about it, there was a pretty significant chance that “Dancing with the Stars” would never have been created. I, for one, am so glad that we don’t live in a world where that is a reality!

Fast forward to fall of this year and “Dancing with the Stars” has skyrocketed in significance, as it is now one of the highest rated reality shows on television currently, according to an article by the Los Angeles Times.

Throughout each season, one couple is eliminated per week. The eliminations are based on a combination of the judges’ scores and votes sent in by viewers. Viewers’ votes engage the audience with the show even more, as they have a say in rankings of couples at the end of the season.

The 35th season of “Dancing with the Stars” has been airing since Sept. 15 of this year and has broken both viewing and voting records, according to the show’s host Alfonso Ribeiro. Throughout the years the show has been on air, it has transcended the traditional scope of network television. Through the genesis of social media, the “DWTS” team has harnessed the popularity of platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote the cast of each season.

Although each style of dance is demanding in its own way, the personal element is what attracts some viewers. Before each contestant dances, there is a media package that plays in the ballroom and on the TV program. This is a review of their week with footage of the star’s rehearsals and moments from interviews. These packages give the audience a chance to see the star’s personality and work ethic behind the scenes.

When viewers watch their favorite stars progress through the weeks, they form connections that make them want to tune into the next episode. This framework has been one of the main reasons the show has skyrocketed to popularity. The stars themselves are also to thank for the show’s record-breaking numbers.

This season features a wide variety of stars. From famous actresses to an olympic athlete, “Dancing with the Stars” finds a way to connect celebrities from different walks of life through their love for dancing. The stars also find themselves in an environment that is out of their comfort zone, as many of them have little to no dance experience.

In an interview with Entertainment Now, comedian and podcast host Connor Wood said, “I have been more vulnerable on this show, on TV and with Rylee [his dance partner] than I have ever been in my entire life,” in reference to the emotionally demanding performances. Although this show takes a serious amount of work from each contestant, many of them would echo this same sentiment.

As the season progresses, the couples are required to work with one another as they compete in team dances. In these dances, the contestants and their respective partners are split into two teams and required to choreograph, rehearse and perform their dances during the show for additional points.

Whether you are a long-time viewer or a new fan, “Dancing with the Stars” is a great way to spend time connecting with family and friends. Make sure you tune in each Tuesday on Disney+ and ABC at 7 p.m. Central Daylight Time and vote for your favorites!