The latest season of “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS) kicked off on Tuesday, Sept. 16, bringing a new group of celebrities to the ballroom and drawing reactions from audiences across the country, including college students who say the show still manages to capture their attention after nearly two decades on air. 

The long-running ABC competition, which first premiered in 2005, pairs celebrities with professional dancers as they compete for the mirrorball trophy. This season’s premiere featured athletes, actors and TV personalities taking their first spins across the dance floor, sparking plenty of conversation on campus.

“I thought it went really well for some of the stars, and not so well for the others,” said Lily Harris, a junior English major and theatre minor. “A lot of the dances were mediocre at best, but that’s what we come to expect from the premiere.”

For Harris, the show’s first week reflected both the excitement and uneven performances that fans have come to associate with the opening episode. But despite mixed early impressions, many students said they enjoyed the spectacle and entertainment value of seeing celebrities outside their usual comfort zones.

“I was super shocked but excited.” said Emma Brown, a sophomore criminal justice major. “I loved getting to see the hosts again and all of the new contestants.”

Part of the appeal for younger audiences lies in the wide range of celebrities the show recruits each season, from trending social media figures to nostalgic TV stars. For some students, the combination helps make the show relevant across generations.

“My favorite duo is Robert and Witney.” Brown said, referring to wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his professional partner, Witney Carson. “He is very charismatic and talented. Their premiere dance had my jaw drop.”

Harris agreed that Irwin stood out as a strong performer.

“Robert.” Harris said. “He was my favorite contestant coming in, but I did not expect his rhythm and ability to dance in general.”

The younger Irwin, known for continuing the legacy of his late father Steve Irwin, quickly emerged as a fan favorite among student viewers. His combination of personality, natural movement and familiarity with audiences appears to have struck a chord.

Other contestants, however, drew attention for defying expectations.

“I was very surprised by Corey Feldman,” Brown said. “Older folks usually get poorly stereotyped, but I was very impressed.”

The 1980s actor, best known for roles in films like “The Goonies” and “Stand by Me,” demonstrated energy and precision that some students said challenged the perception of older contestants struggling to keep up.

Still, not every star impressed. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, whose athleticism seemed to promise an edge in the ballroom, underwhelmed some college viewers.

“I expected Jordan Chiles to be better than she was, given that she’s a gymnast,” said Ella Bowen, a junior mass communication major.

Bowen added that, for her, the competition’s front-runner is already clear.

“Robert Irwin because he has the skill and the fan votes,” Bowen said.

The blend of personalities and varying levels of dance experience has been a hallmark of DWTS since its beginning. That unpredictability, who will shine, who will struggle and who might surprise everyone, continues to keep audiences engaged, including college students who weren’t even born when the show first aired.

Despite the rise of streaming platforms and new entertainment formats, the program still provides a form of communal viewing that feels different from watching on-demand shows. Premieres, eliminations and viral performances continue to spark real-time conversations both online and on campus.

That social element may be part of why DWTS has managed to stay relevant to younger audiences. As social media clips circulate after each episode, even casual viewers often find themselves drawn into debates about which contestants have the most talent, charisma or fan support.

With another season underway, students will continue to tune in, not only to see who wins but also to join the larger conversation that has surrounded the show for nearly 20 years.