Cue the dramatic music because “Dancing with the Stars” just waltzed its way to a season-high viewership. Tuesday’s semifinal episode, airing on November 19, 2024, wasn’t just a night of fancy footwork; it was a ratings bonanza. ABC’s high-kicking competition drew 5.19 million viewers, outshining even last week’s 500th-episode celebration, which itself was a ratings milestone. This surge in eyeballs came with a tsunami of fan votes – a record-breaking 20 million – proving that viewer engagement remains as high as a perfectly executed lift.
Beyond the sheer numbers, “DWTS” also claimed the top spot in the coveted Adults 18-49 demographic (a 0.75 rating), along with dominance in all key Women demographics. This isn’t exactly shocking. “Dancing with the Stars” has always appealed to a specific audience – one that appreciates glitz, glamour, and the occasional awkward celebrity stumble. But these latest figures indicate a resurgence, outperforming last season’s semifinal viewership. It seems the combination of familiar faces, evolving formats, and the inherent drama of competition continues to resonate.
And now, with the finale looming on Tuesday, November 26th (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST/PST, 7:00-10:00 p.m. CST), expectations are higher than ever. Will the final performances justify the hype? Will the judges’ scores align with viewer sentiment? And most importantly, which couple will hoist that coveted Mirrorball Trophy?
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
