It’s been 20 years since the first episode of “Dancing With the Stars” aired on ABC, and the ballroom is still spinning. On June 1, the long-running competition celebrated its 20th anniversary, prompting tributes from cast members, pro dancers, and fans across social media.
The official DWTS Instagram account shared a commemorative reel with the caption, “It’s been 20 years since #DWTS first premiered, and we’re thankful for everyone who has been a part of this journey 🥹”
Val Chmerkovskiy commented, “Remarkable accomplishment for so many, on stage and behind it. Couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it.” Fellow pro Emma Slater added, “20 years. Man it’s changed my life, what would I have done in the last 14 years without it!!”
Lindsay Arnold recalled her early fandom. “20 years!! 😭 I remember watching that first episode on my couch when I was 11 years old and feel so grateful to have been a part of this show!”
Original cast member Edyta Śliwińska posted a throwback from season 1, writing, “None of us had the slightest idea that from that moment, everything would change. What a fun ride!”
Judge and former pro Derek Hough shared clips with past celebrity partners and reflected, “I’ve literally grown up on this show, joining at 22, and it’s been an honor to see it evolve and thrive.”
Former host Tom Bergeron marked the occasion with a photo from the first episode, joking on his Instagram story, “Lisa looked nervous. I looked like I could use a tailor.”
Carrie Ann Inaba also looked back at the show’s origins. “20 years ago today, I sat down for the first time with two men I had never met before. Len Goodman and @brunotonioliofficial. My life was forever changed,” she wrote.
More tributes came from Cheryl Burke, Alan Bersten, Pasha Pashkov, Louis van Amstel, Britt Stewart, and Kym Johnson, who each shared photos and memories of their time with the show.
Fans Reflect on Favorite DWTS Moments
To celebrate the anniversary, fans gathered on Reddit to share standout memories and performances. One user picked Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff as their favorite couple. Another praised James Van Der Beek and Emma Slater’s Paso Doble.
“Something nobody talks about: Chelsie and Tristan’s Macy’s Stars of Dance Samba to Beyoncé,” a third user noted, referencing a performance that often flies under the radar.
Many fans also expressed hopes that the upcoming 34th season, set to air on ABC and Disney+, might include a return of some original pros in honor of the milestone, as reported earlier.
Looking Back at Season 1
“Dancing With the Stars” premiered on June 1, 2005, with six celebrities paired with professional ballroom dancers. The season was hosted by Tom Bergeron and Lisa Canning, and judged by Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.
Among the contestants were Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo, who ultimately won the first-ever Mirrorball Trophy after edging out John O’Hurley and Charlotte Jørgensen in the finale. Other competitors included Joey McIntyre and Ashly DelGrosso, Rachel Hunter and Jonathan Roberts, Evander Holyfield and Edyta Śliwińska, and Trista Sutter with Louis van Amstel.
The debut episode drew over 13 million viewers, gaining even more momentum in week two with 15 million viewers. The season concluded on July 6, 2005, officially kicking off what would become one of television’s longest-running competition shows.
Two decades later, “Dancing With the Stars” continues to be a cultural fixture, with cast members and fans alike celebrating the show’s journey—and looking forward to what’s next.
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It’s Been 20 Years?! ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Cast Reflects on Iconic Run