Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is back with a bang for its 33rd season, and the ballroom has never been more electrifying! From unexpected twists, to breakout performances, to social media buzzing with memes, this season premiere on ABC and Disney+ has set the bar high. If you missed the first episode, don’t worry—we’re diving deep into everything you need to know: from standout performances to viral internet moments.
In this blog, we’ll recap the biggest moments, discuss fan reactions (complete with hilarious memes), and explore what this means for the DWTS cast and future episodes.
When and Where to Watch DWTS Season 33
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars premiered on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET, and airs every Tuesday night on ABC and Disney+. If you missed the live episode, you can catch new episodes on ABC.com, Hulu, and Disney+ the next day. For those without cable, streaming services like Hulu+ Live TV, SlingTV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream also broadcast the show live.
Click here for subscription plans and more ways to watch DWTS
What Happened During the DWTS Season 33 Premiere?
The first episode set the ballroom on fire with 13 celebrity contestants making their debut. From NFL star Danny Amendola and Bachelorette’s Joey Graziadei to con artist Anna Delvey (yes, she’s dancing with an ankle bracelet!), the cast is as varied and entertaining as ever.
Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough returned as the show’s judges, while Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough co-hosted with incredible chemistry.
Let’s break down some standout performances, meme-worthy moments, and expert analysis from the judges.
Top Performances & Viral Moments from DWTS Season 33 Premiere
1. Chandler Kinney Sets the Ballroom on Fire
Actress Chandler Kinney (Pretty Little Liars: Summer School) stole the show with her sizzling Tango to Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” alongside pro partner Brandon Armstrong. Judge Bruno Tonioli even ripped his jacket off in excitement, calling it “one of the best first-night performances.” Carrie Ann Inaba also noted that Chandler “set the standard for Season 33,” a bold statement for a debut night.
Score: 23/30
Why This Stands Out: The chemistry between Chandler and Brandon was palpable, and it wasn’t just the judges who were impressed—Twitter exploded with fans calling her the front-runner after just one episode. A key moment came during the final spins of the Tango, which were sharp, fast, and executed with flawless timing. This moment immediately caught attention for both its technical precision and emotional intensity.
2. Dwight Howard’s Salsa: A Tall Challenge
NBA star Dwight Howard (at 6’11”) and his partner Daniella Karagach were a sight to behold. Dancing a Salsa to “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan, the duo had fans and judges alike laughing with delight. Derek Hough’s hilarious comment—”It’s like watching a giraffe and a gazelle dance together”—summed up Howard’s unique ballroom presence.
Score: 22/30
Expert Take: Howard’s Salsa was surprisingly smooth despite the height difference. However, judges noted that his footwork needed more refinement. Yet, his charm and athleticism won over fans, sparking endless memes comparing him to various long-legged animals dancing across the ballroom.
3. Joey Graziadei Finds His Rhythm
Coming straight from Bachelor Nation, Joey Graziadei danced a Cha Cha to Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancing in the Country” with pro Jenna Johnson. Despite his self-described “Golden Retriever energy,” Joey’s routine was polished and fun, prompting Derek Hough to call his moves “fantastic.”
Score: 21/30
Why It’s Important: Joey may have felt nervous, but his performance showed that he’s a serious contender this season. Fans reacted on social media, comparing him to previous Bachelor stars who excelled in the competition, with some memes humorously suggesting that “he’s here for the Mirrorball, not the roses.”
Anna Delvey’s Controversial Casting
One of the most talked-about cast members this season is convicted con artist Anna Delvey, who danced with an ankle bracelet due to her house arrest. Partnered with pro dancer Ezra Sosa, Delvey’s presence stirred up significant controversy both on and off the dance floor.
Her lawyer assured fans that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) granted special permission for her to participate, but this didn’t stop public figures like Whoopi Goldberg from criticizing the decision.
Public Reaction: Twitter was ablaze with reactions to Delvey’s casting, ranging from disbelief to dark humor. Fans used the famous Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man meme to poke fun at the fact that she’s competing while under legal restrictions. This meme quickly went viral and became a signature joke across various platforms.
Meme Culture Takes Over the DWTS Universe
Dancing with the Stars is as much about fan reactions as it is about dance performances. The Season 33 premiere was no exception, as fans flooded social media with memes highlighting key moments of the night. Here are some fan favorites:
- The “Spider-Man Meme” – Fans were quick to recycle the classic Spider-Man pointing at Spider-Man meme when discussing Anna Delvey’s dual identity as a performer and con artist. This meme perfectly captured the ironic absurdity of her competing while under legal surveillance.
- Dwight Howard’s “Giraffe Dance” – After Derek Hough’s “giraffe and gazelle” comment, Twitter users turned Howard into a dancing giraffe GIF, with captions like “This is how we do it… when you’re 7 feet tall.”
- Joey Graziadei’s “Golden Retriever Energy” – Fans couldn’t resist turning Joey’s self-deprecating humor into a meme. One particularly popular meme featured Joey’s face on a golden retriever, with the caption “Golden Retriever energy = Mirrorball material.”
What Does This Mean for the Future of DWTS Season 33?
With such a strong start, the stakes are higher than ever. The show’s producers have promised a few “curveballs” this season, and with a diverse cast, there’s no telling how the competition will evolve.
But beyond the immediate excitement, this season could mark a turning point for Dancing with the Stars. With the inclusion of contestants from a wide variety of backgrounds (including controversial figures), the show is once again pushing the boundaries of what reality competition can be.
Key Takeaways for DWTS Fans:
- Joey Graziadei and Chandler Kinney are shaping up to be fan favorites.
- Anna Delvey’s presence is controversial, but undeniably buzzworthy.
- Dwight Howard will likely continue to be a source of comic relief and viral memes.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season progresses. We’ll be recapping each week’s performances, tracking fan reactions, and of course, keeping you up-to-date on the meme game.
Is DWTS Season 33 Living Up to the Hype?
The Dancing with the Stars Season 33 premiere exceeded expectations with captivating performances, viral internet moments, and plenty of buzz-worthy drama. From Chandler Kinney’s stunning Tango to Dwight Howard’s giraffe-like Salsa moves, it’s clear that this season will be one to remember.
As the competition heats up, make sure to keep watching every Tuesday on ABC and Disney+, and check back here for weekly recaps and behind-the-scenes insights.
Looking for more insights, check out Motion Melodies for further analysis and in-depth content.
