Since its debut in 2005, Dancing With The Stars has been a fan favorite on American TV. The premise of the show pairs professional dancers with celebrities, who compete against each other in dance performances every week until one final couple takes home the gold. Everyone from A-list actors to popular influencers and Olympic medalists participates, and today, the show has 33 seasons—and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Here are the top 10 Dancing With The Stars episodes, ranked, for your pleasure!
“Halloween Night” – Season 31, Episode 8 (2022)
This spooky episode divided the teams into Team Wicked and Team Scream, with Halloween-inspired dance routines that delighted viewers. Britt Stewart and Daniel Durant shimmied on stage to a post-apocalyptic scene, while Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas were inspired by The Exorcist with a backward walk in their tango. Shangela and Gleb Savchenko took home a perfect 40/40 score with a jazz-inspired dance routine to “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift.
“Rock Week” – Season 1, Episode 11 (2010)
Everyone got into a rock ’n’ roll mood, and that energy was boosted by the fact that contestants were given the chance to redo a weaker dance routine in a Redemption Dance. Dancers were challenged to perform to head-banging drums and powerful guitar riffs. They brought out sexy tangos and paso dobles, but Kurt Warner and Anna Trebunskaya struggled as they danced to “The Final Countdown.” The top scorers were Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who performed to “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler.
“Vegas Night” – Season 24, Episode 3 (2017)
Poker tables, feathers, and slot machines came to mind in this episode. The night kicked off with a bachelorette-style group dance blending samba, Charleston, and jazz. MLB catcher David Ross surprised everyone with his jazz routine to “Candy Shop,” performed with Lindsay Arnold and inspired by Magic Mike Live. Top scorers Heather Morris and Alan Bersten delivered a sleek tango to “Toxic” by Britney Spears.
“Britney Night” – Season 30, Episode 3 (2021)
Dedicated to pop star Britney Spears, this themed night was filmed during the pandemic, so celebrities danced without a live audience to cheer them on. Still, the momentum stayed strong with a heavy focus on tango. Olivia Jade and Val Chmerkovskiy performed to “Hold It Against Me,” while JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson rocked their routine to “…Baby One More Time.” Suni Lee, who was dealing with physical discomfort during her performance, delivered a unique take on the foxtrot to “I’m a Slave 4 U.”