“Dancing with the Stars” Casting Director Admits Past Seasons Felt Like ‘Rehab for a Career’

**Dancing with the Stars Adjusts Casting Strategy for Season 35**

In a recent discussion at the Television Academy’s Televerse Festival, Deena Katz, the executive producer and casting director of ABC’s hit programme “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS), shed light on how the show has evolved its approach to celebrity casting over the years. With the series gearing up for its 35th season, Katz highlighted a deliberate shift towards featuring celebrities who are currently significant in the public sphere, aiming to attract a wider and more diverse audience.

Katz candidly reflected on earlier seasons, acknowledging that some contestants appeared on the show after stepping away from the limelight. She described those times as instances where DWTS seemed to function as a stepping stone for sports stars and entertainers looking to revive their careers. “I admit there were some seasons past where maybe it felt like people that have gone away, and it’s like a rehab for a career,” Katz stated, emphasising the need for the programme to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced entertainment landscape.

The casting history of DWTS has seen a number of high-profile and sometimes controversial figures enter the ballroom. Katz mentioned past contestants such as Ryan Lochte, whose participation in season 23 followed a tumultuous Olympics scandal, and Sean Spicer, whose casting sparked considerable debate during season 28. The waters were further muddied when Olivia Jade Giannulli joined the cast in 2021 amidst her family’s involvement in an admissions scandal, igniting discussions around redemption narratives within the show.

As the show approaches its 35th season, Katz noted that the focus has shifted toward inviting celebrities who are not only well-known but also actively relevant in today’s cultural conversations. The upcoming season’s contestants include a mix of familiar faces from current reality television hits, suggesting a strategy that resonates with what audiences are engaging with across different platforms.

One promising addition is Maura Higgins from “The Traitors,” who gained recognition for her gameplay in the reality show. Similarly, Ciara Miller from “Summer House” will grace the ballroom, suggesting an exciting blend of personalities and stories. Katz emphasised that the goal is to enhance viewer engagement by casting figures who resonate with current trends and topics that audiences are following.

The landscape of celebrity has undeniably changed since DWTS first aired in 2005. Katz remarked on the substantial evolution of the term ‘celebrity’ in the entertainment industry, noting an expansion in categories of fame that include social media influencers, whom she admits might not be part of her own personal interest. “You have to embrace that,” she acknowledged, indicating that the programme seeks to keep pace with the shifting definitions of fame.

Katz expressed a conviction that selecting contestants based solely on personal preference could be a misstep. Instead, the focus is on assembling a varied cast to appeal to an intergenerational audience. This approach not only brings established names to the show but introduces lesser-known talents who might capture viewers’ hearts unexpectedly.

Host Alfonso Ribeiro shared his perspective during the panel, recalling his own experience in season 19. He articulated that passion for the show can often outweigh a contestant’s current industry relevance. He believes that as long as participants are genuinely enthusiastic, they will endear themselves to audiences over time. Ribeiro’s own journey, which began while he was not especially active in the industry, serves as an example of how the right mindset can lead to success in the competition.

The upcoming season is positioned to build upon the momentum generated by season 34, which saw a resurgence in viewer interest and earned nominations for awards like the Outstanding Reality Competition Programme at the Emmys. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba highlighted the show’s adaptability as a key factor in its longevity, presenting the argument that the evolving nature of the programme parallels the transformations experienced by the contestants themselves.

With the introduction of a younger, more vocal fanbase via social media, both Katz and producer Conrad Green are keen to harness that energy for the new season. The synergy of passionate contestants and enthusiastic viewers is expected to create a feel-good atmosphere that enhances the overall viewing experience.

Without revealing any specific names for the forthcoming season, Katz hinted that viewers could anticipate a mix of well-known personalities alongside some fresh faces who may surprise audiences with their talents. She expressed optimism that the new cast would include memorable contestants whose journeys would resonate with fans long after the show concludes.

“Dancing with the Stars” is set to return for its 35th season with a two-night premiere beginning on September 15, airing on ABC and Disney+. Fans can look forward to a fresh blend of contestants that reflects contemporary cultural relevance while providing nostalgic joy.