From pop stars to politicians, Dancing With the Stars has long brought unexpected faces to the dance floor. But this season, the producers went a step further, bringing in the notorious convicted felon from Germany, Anna Delvey. Known for her designer clothes and perfectly styled hair, Delvey’s appearance on the show is as attention-grabbing as her infamous past. With her high-end fashion and the ever-present bedazzled ankle bracelet, she stands in sharp contrast to the image of Stefan Nedoroscik, the “Pommel Horse Guy.” Nedoroscik’s wholesome image and love of Rubik’s cubes serve as a reminder of a simpler, more authentic era of the show.
By casting both an Olympic gold medalist and a convicted felon, Dancing With the Stars clearly hopes to boost its viewership. The shift from focusing on celebrity talent and charisma to bringing in controversial figures signals a deliberate attempt to stay relevant in today’s crowded media landscape.
Dancing With the Stars first gained massive popularity with its unique format—pairing celebrities with professional dancers. Viewers loved seeing stars step out of their comfort zones to learn a new skill, and this helped the show strike a chord with audiences. At its peak, from 2005 to 2011, the show averaged over 20 million viewers each week. But since 2018, the ratings have dropped significantly, with current numbers barely hitting half of what they used to be. This decline reflects the show’s difficulty in adapting to changing viewer preferences, as many people now turn to streaming platforms and viral content for entertainment. Reality shows like DWTS are grappling with how to hold onto their loyal fans while attracting new viewers in an era that values sensationalism and quick hits over steady, long-term appeal.
In the early years, the show’s contestants were often genuinely invested in the process, from Olympians like Kristi Yamaguchi to talk show personalities like Jerry Springer. These stars weren’t just looking for fame—they were dedicated to the challenge of learning to dance, which contributed to the show’s charm and success. This genuine effort from the stars helped the show connect with a wide audience.
But more recently, the casting choices seem to be driven less by talent and more by the desire to stir up drama. Anna Delvey’s inclusion on the show is a perfect example of this new approach. Once calling herself an “entrepreneur and fashionista,” Delvey is now more infamous for her role in a high-profile scam, where she pretended to be a wealthy socialite while swindling millions from banks, hotels, and friends. This scandalous past, combined with her flashy appearance, stands in stark contrast to the original idea of the show.
Delvey’s “controversial past” is rooted in her conviction for fraud. She was known for scamming New York’s elite, pretending to be a wealthy heiress when she was actually broke. The public’s fascination with her rise and fall made her an irresistible figure for DWTS producers, who clearly hoped her notoriety would bring in viewers. Her presence on the show wasn’t just about dancing; it was about capitalizing on her controversial past to draw in an audience.
After her early elimination, Delvey herself said, “I learned nothing,” a comment that made it clear her role on the show was more about drama than competition. Fans and critics alike felt that her inclusion undermined the integrity of DWTS, especially given the show’s past focus on genuine talent.
In contrast, Stefan Nedoroscik represents everything DWTS once stood for—hard work, authenticity, and real achievement. The Olympic gold medalist’s wholesome image and dedication to pommel horse offer a reminder of the show’s original appeal, when contestants were chosen for their accomplishments rather than their ability to create buzz.
Nedoroscik’s presence brings a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans who remember when the show celebrated stars who earned their place on the dance floor through skill and dedication. The difference between Nedoroscik and Delvey highlights the shift in DWTS’s casting choices—while Delvey is the epitome of the show’s new focus on notoriety, Nedoroscik represents the authenticity the show used to prize.
The contrast between Delvey and Nedoroscik reveals the show’s evolving identity. By casting both a convicted felon and an Olympic gold medalist, DWTS is trying to cater to both old fans and newer audiences drawn to scandal. This shift away from a focus on achievement and toward a focus on fame by controversy is part of a larger trend in reality TV.
Today, reality TV is increasingly driven by scandal, viral moments, and controversy. Casting controversial figures or viral personalities has become a common tactic to quickly boost viewership, even if it’s only for a short time. While this can bring in a temporary spike in ratings, it often undermines the quality and long-term appeal of the show. For DWTS, this means focusing on figures like Delvey, who bring drama but don’t necessarily offer the same depth of talent or dedication as past contestants.
As DWTS moves forward, it will continue to navigate the tension between staying true to its original identity and catering to the demand for sensationalism. Its journey reflects a larger shift in entertainment culture, where controversy often beats talent in attracting attention. Whether or not DWTS can regain its former glory remains to be seen, but for now, the mix of entertainment and spectacle continues to drive the show’s direction.
