Watch Dancing with the Stars

Over the last decade, there have been many reality programs on television that have come and gone. Many of these shows feature some sort of competition between contestants with eliminations presented every new episode. This formula has worked well for some programs, but it has also led to the demise of others. One such program that is just as popular as ever is ABC's Dancing With the Stars. The show is essentially a ballroom dancing competition that features celebrity contestants who are paired with professional dancers. Though the concept would not seem, at first, to be very compelling, millions of people tune in each season to see which celebrity will take the mirror ball trophy home.

The show is actually based upon a British program called Strictly Come Dancing, though it has quickly developed its own unique sensibility, separating it from its forebear. Generally speaking, each episode of the program is a light-hearted affair that features dances from all of the participating contestants and comments from judges who hail from the world of professional dancing. Additionally, each dancing couple is interviewed by the hosts of the show following their performance. Then, audience members are urged to vote for their favorite couple. The following evening, a second weekly show airs in which the couple who received the fewest votes is ceremoniously ejected from the show.

Dancing With the Stars has been airing for 14 seasons, and there have been some notable champions during this time. Football stars seem to do particularly well on the show, as evidenced by the performances and eventual wins of NFL pros like Donald Driver, Emmitt Smith and Hines Ward. However, some of the celebrity winners have come from fields outside the realm of professional athletics. These winners include J.R Martinez, Jennifer Grey and Donny Osmond. Brooke Burke, who is now a co host of the show, was also a winner in season seven.

Dancing With the Stars is a true phenomenon of American television, and it is likely that its formula will remain unchanged for the next few seasons, considering that it has been so successful. People love the relatively drama-free nature of the show, and they also enjoy seeing some familiar faces on the dance floor participating in some very unfamiliar activities. Season 15 is just around the corner, and it is likely that the new season will be every bit as enjoyable as the ones preceding it.