Watch Skating With the Stars

Skating With the Stars was a reality talent show that aired on ABC network in 2010. The show featured six celebrities paired with professional figure skaters, competing against each other in a series of ice skating challenges, while being judged by a panel of judges consisting of former Olympic figure skater and commentator Dick Button, two-time Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir and choreographer and creative director Laurieann Gibson.

The show premiered on November 22, 2010, and ran for six episodes through December 21, 2010. In each episode, the celebrities performed a different skating routine with their professional partner, which included a solo skate and a group routine. The judges then provided their critique and ratings for each performance, adding to the total scores for the contestants. The scores would determine who would be sent home each week, based on public voting conducted through SMS and online.

The celebrity contestants of the show included actress Sean Young, Olympic gold medalist figure skier Kristi Yamaguchi, actor Brandon Mychal Smith, reality TV star Bethenny Frankel, Disney Channel star Brandon Smith, and rocker Vince Neil. Each celebrity was paired with a professional figure skater who trained them and choreographed their routines. The professional skaters included Brooke Castile, Denis Petukhov, Ethel M. Comet, Fred Palascak, Jennifer Wester, and Sean V. Johnson.

The show was hosted by Tanith Belbin, a retired ice dancer, and retired NHL player, and current sports commentator, Vernon Kay. Their chemistry and rapport kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout the show.

The judges of Skating with the Stars were known for their tough love and critical comments, providing constructive feedback on the celebrities' performances. Dick Button was a former Olympic figure skater and commentator, who was known for his critical and sharp commentary. He was the first skater to do a double axel, triple jump, triple loop, and flying sit spin. Johnny Weir, who retired from competitive skating in 2013, is a two-time Olympian and three-time U.S. national champion figure skater. He is known for his colorful and flamboyant skating style and fashion sense. Laurieann Gibson is a renowned choreographer and creative director, who has worked with Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and other notable entertainers. She brought her creative and artistic flair to the show, providing insight into the artistic and creative aspects of skating.

The show was a hit among audiences, but it generated controversy, especially with the skating community. The skating community was divided with some of them criticizing the show for giving celebrities a platform to learn skating in a short period of time, while others argued that the show would attract new fans to the sport. Despite the controversy, the show remained popular and was the second-highest-rated show on Mondays, after CBS's Hawaii Five-0. However, despite its ratings success, the show was canceled after one season, owing to the difficulty of casting celebrities who were willing to participate and the potential risks associated with skating accidents.

In conclusion, Skating With the Stars was a unique reality talent show that combined the glamour of Hollywood with the grace and beauty of ice skating. It provided an opportunity for celebrities to showcase their talent on the ice, under the guidance of professional figure skaters. The show was entertaining, exciting, and fun to watch, thanks to the chemistry between the hosts and the critical and insightful comments of the judges. While it was only on the air for one season, the show left a lasting impact on the skating world and introduced many new fans to the sport of figure skating.