The popular reality competition series, “Dancing With the Stars,” has undergone some significant changes in recent years, attracting a younger audience, particularly Gen Z viewers. Despite maintaining its core format of professional dancers paired with celebrities competing and facing elimination, the show has managed to capture the attention of a new generation through strategic moves like leveraging TikTok, casting younger dance professionals, and creating viral “wow moments” from performances.
Previously, the show had an audience with a median age of 63.5 in 2022. However, in the last two seasons, the series has successfully connected with Gen Z viewers by adapting to the digital age and shifting to the Disney+ streaming app. This move was part of Disney’s strategy to attract older viewers to their streaming service, which was primarily targeted at children aged 2 to 17.
Conrad Green, the showrunner of “Dancing With the Stars,” highlighted the importance of engaging with platforms like TikTok to reach younger audiences. The show’s use of social media, along with the casting of young talents like 19-year-old Rylee Arnold and 31-year-old Witney Carson, has helped to rejuvenate its appeal among Gen Z viewers.
In a recent interview ahead of the Season 33 semifinals, Green, Arnold, and Carson shared insights into the show’s success with Gen Z viewers. They emphasized the show’s ability to adapt to changing trends and technologies while staying true to its core premise of dance competition.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, “Dancing With the Stars” serves as a prime example of how a long-running series can reinvent itself to stay relevant and attract new audiences. By embracing digital platforms, younger talent, and creating memorable moments that resonate with viewers, the show has secured its place in the hearts of Gen Z viewers.
With its unique blend of dance, drama, and celebrity performances, “Dancing With the Stars” has proven that age is no barrier to staying in the spotlight. As the series continues to evolve and capture the imagination of new generations, it remains a cultural phenomenon that transcends age demographics and continues to entertain audiences of all ages.
