While facing internal shifts in viewer engagement, Dancing with the Stars is seeing a massive surge in popularity north of the border. The ABC reality competition series climbed to the number two spot in overall Canadian demand during the first full week of October, according to Parrot Analytics data.

How is Canadian demand changing?

The show's popularity in Canada has moved significantly upward during its 35th season. Between October 5 and October 11, the series reached a demand average of 40.2, making it 40.2 times more in demand than the average television series in the country. This represents a notable jump from the previous week, when the program sat at number six on the Canadian charts.

What is happening with US viewership?

In the United States, the show is navigating a period of transition regarding its active fan participation. While the series previously celebrated breaking weekly voting records, recent episodes have seen a cooling of those metrics. Experts suggest this may be a natural phase for the competition:

  • Novelty settling: The initial excitement of a new season often plateaus after the first few weeks.
  • Fan consolidation: Viewers tend to settle around specific favorites as the competition progresses.
  • Elimination impact: Unexpected departures of popular contestants can temporarily dampen engagement.

Communications advisor Amore Philip notes that the show can regain momentum by focusing on "storylines about growth and comeback" during the middle of the season.

What to watch for next

Viewers can expect high emotional stakes during the upcoming Dedication Night. This episode features contestants performing in honor of influential people in their lives. The competition remains intense as the remaining couples vie for the mirrorball trophy through a combination of judges' scores and public votes.

FAQ

Where can I watch the show?

Dancing with the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+, with subsequent streaming available on Hulu.

Why did voting records stop being mentioned?

There has been a notable absence of mentions regarding shattered voting records by host Alfonso Ribeiro since week three, suggesting a dip in active voter engagement.