“Dancing with the Stars” is back on network TV and, considering there might not be much scripted content this year, it’s stuffed with contestants. Too stuffed.
On Tuesday’s premiere, 14 would-be dancers introduced themselves to an audience that may have no clue who they are.
Too many social media stars mingled with the usual mix of reality stars. Interestingly, those with scandalous pasts got them aired on the opener.
Ariana Madix, the “Vanderpump Rules” star who was cheated on by her boyfriend, was among the best of the night, earning a 21 for her tango.
One better: “Bachelorette” star Charity Lawson who finished with a 22 for her tango.
Also in the hunt: singer Jason Mraz, who showed considerable rhythm with his cha cha, earning a 21.
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Already headed home: “VEEP” star Matt Walsh.
In the bottom two: “Real Housewives” star Mauricio Umansky. His wife, Kyle Richards, was in the audience even though the show flashed headlines that said the two were headed for divorce.
While Umansky wasn’t exactly Baryshnikov, he had the kind of bounce many celebs demonstrated. Barry Williams (from “The Brady Bunch”) started the bouncing and did well enough with the foxtrot. He got a 16.
Also scoring “well enough”: Xochitl Gomez (a Disney Channel/Netflix star); Jamie Lynn Spears (Britney’s sis); football star Adrian Peterson; Lele Pons (a YouTube star); and Oscar winner Mira Sorvino.
Likely to leave: Model Tyson Beckford; “American Pie” star Alyson Hannigan, dating show vet Harry Jowsy; and Umansky.
What factors most in the game, of course, is fans who can vote online. That eliminates some of the older stars and gives the edge to the social media darlings.
Lawson, though, has the dancing goods and Madix and Mraz could be tough competitors.
Of the others, don’t discount Williams, Pons and Peterson.
The mirror-ball trophy is now named for the late Len Goodman; past winner Julianne Hough has joined Alfonso Ribeiro as co-host. That’s an improvement. Former host Tyra Banks tried to make this an offshoot of “America’s Next Top Model” and it didn’t work. Hough has a breezy quality that wears well with the cast.
Brother Derek is back on the judging panel with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. The show’s return was welcome – even if it did have too many contestants. A couple of double-elimination nights could even this out. By the time we get to the “very special” Halloween show, this should be manageable.