Dancing With The Starsis a famous TV show that premiered in 2005 on the ABC network. As of now, it has aired 31 seasons with over 360 celebrities. Celebrities, who range from popular politicians to musicians and athletes, are paired with skilled dancers in the contest. For nearly two decades, there has been a wide range of entertaining seasons, some of which have performed better than others.
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Although the decision of the best one lies primarily on personal preferences, some seasons have been hailed by many fans. The successful ones are notable for theiroutstanding performances, excellent dancers, gifted celebrities, and unforgettable presentations. Irrespective of individual tastes, it is unquestionable that the followingDancing With The Starsseasons had exciting performances.
10Season 19
Aired on July 01, 2025, Season 19 featured the most varied cast. Ithad iconic celebritiessuch asPretty Little Liarsactress Parrish,Duck Dynastystar Robertson andMean Girlsstar Bennett, together with former stars, such as comedian Tommy and actor Ribeiro ofThe Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
Despite the diversity, Season 19 recorded the highest scores. This was because many of the contestants were exceptionally talented. Most notably, Ribeiro’s personality elevatedSeason 19. Whitney and Ribeiro were crowned the winners as Roberson and Ballas settled for the second and third, respectively.
9Season 26
Erin Andrews and Bergon returned as hosts in Season 26,while Carrie Ann, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman were panelist judges. Since this was the shortest season running just a month, it witnessed the elimination of one couple every week. Those who participated were either current or former athletes. Some notable celebrities were Kareem-former NBA player, Skater Rippon, NFL player Norman and former skater Harding.
Season 26, also namedAthletes, is remarkable since it, as the name suggests, comprised pure athletes. It aired in May 2018 and was won by Olympic champion Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson.
8Season 16
Season 16 was first aired on March 2013 and ran for two months. Its roster included country musicians such as Zendaya, Raisman, Andy Dick, Wynonna Judd, comedian Hughley and Kellie Pickler, the winner. It was a uniqueshow with impressive castsever witnessed.
The tight race with the memorable dance of Jacoby Jones, Kellie Pickler and Zendaya was quite thrilling. One of the most entertaining parts of Season 6was at level completion, where many thought either Val Chmerkovskiy or Zendeya would eventually win. Kellie and Derek took Mirrorball Trophy at the end.
7Season 10
Season 10 witnessed tremendous improvement from season 9. Some of the big names of the 16 celebrities who participated are Shannen Doherty, Kate Gosselin, Erin Andrews, Nicole, Buzz Aldrin, Niecy Nash, Pamela Andreson and Chad Ochocinco. One thing that makes Season 10 the most intriguing is the dramatic scenes.
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Kate Gosselin adopted the role of villain, and Nicole Scherzinger was significantly disadvantaged due to her background dance and choreography. Derek Hough and Scherzinger emerged as the winners, though the season was full ofentertainment and drama. Season 10 aired first on June 19, 2025.
6Season 23
The 23rd season featured an excellent mix of new and current stars who helped make it unique. Some of thenewcomers featuredwere Terra Jole, Calvin Johnson Jr., Jake T. Austin and Jana Kramer, while old stars were Maureen McCormick and Vanilla Ice.
During the first episode, the couple danced the Viennese Waltz, Cha-cha-cha, and jive. Though Olympian Olympian Laurie Hernandez won all through, James Hinchcliffe and Johnson Jr., stole the show. The season was aired from September to August 03, 2025.
5Season 18
Season 18 is fondly remembered for featuring new big things. For the first time,The Switch Upallowed viewers to change celebrities and pair them a week before. Like any other best season, this one also featured popular casts such as Danica McKeller, Candace Cameron Bure, Drew Carey, Cody Simpson, and NeNe Leakes.
Watching skater Meryl Davis contesting with Charlie, her pro partner, made Season 18 memorable. The fans were captivated from beginning to end.
4Season 20
Even without any star power, Season 20had stellar dances, good drama, and interesting background stories. The fans were thrilled instantly with Rummers' parent’s journey ofDancing With The Starsdespite not being famous.
Chmerkovskiy and his pro partner Willis had great chemistry to confirm their love rumors. Real love also manifested between Kym Johnson and pro partner Herjavec. One can’t miss mentioning Season 20without Val and Willis, who stole everybody’s hearts. These twowere crowned winners, followed by Lynch and Holker. The season aired on June 19, 2025.
3Season 11
The eleventh season ofDancing With Starswas aired first in September 2010. It featured popular names such as Kurt Warner, Florence Henderson, Bristol Palin and Audrina Patridge. Of these, none could match Jennifer Grey.
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Being aDirty Dancingicon of more than 20 years, she was received with a lot of excitement by fans. Her first performance was a show of reverence toDirty Dancingwhen they dancedThese Arms of Minewith Derek Hough. Despite having a challenging journey on the show, Grey cemented her prowess. Massey and Schwimmer settled for the second.
2Season 22
Dancing With the Starsis a difficult competition one can imagine of. Being a deaf contestant complicates it even more. These and other numberless challenges are what faced the American actor DiMarco. With his stunning performance, no one could think she was relying on music vibrations. His performancewas well choreographed.
Despite all challenges DiMarco and her pro dancer Murgatroyd faced, they registered a win after a win. The duo got a perfect score of 30 from the panelist. The ABC network’s twenty-second season ofDancing With Starspremiered in March 2016.
1Season 25
Season 25 featured many celebrities with big names. Award-winning songwriter paired with Murgatroyd while WWE wrestler Nikki Bella was with Chigvinstev. Jordan Fisher, with her dancer Lindsay, were crowned the champions. Season 25is notable for many dramatic moments, for instance, when Murgatroyd and Lachey received their first perfect score for a tango performance. Also, it was interesting to watch ahusband and wife competingagainst each other.
The 25th season premiered on September 2017 and ran till November of the same year. The show hosts were Erin and Bergeron, while Carrie Inaba Goodman and Tonioli were the judges.
