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.”
“Michael Bublé Night” – Season 31, Episode 7 (2022)
The jazz-pop crooner himself blessed the audience with live performances of “Sway” and “Higher.” Beyond entertainment, he also served as a guest judge, deciding which couples would receive bonus points. Shangela famously accepted a compliment about her “crispy legs” by pulling fried chicken legs from her costume during a tango, but D’Amelio and Ballas ultimately won the night with their flawless foxtrot to “Fever,” which Bublé adored.
“A Celebration of Taylor Swift” – Season 32, Episode 9 (2023)
Things turned theatrical in this episode, which paid homage to all things Swift. Mandy Moore, a key choreographer for Swift’s Eras Tour, offered insider tips and feedback, making it clear that storytelling was essential. Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy performed a bubbly quickstep to “Paper Rings,” while Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber danced a cha-cha to “You Belong With Me.”
“Whitney Houston Night” – Season 32, Episode 8 (2023)
This episode paid tribute to iconic diva Whitney Houston, with the ever-charismatic Billy Porter serving as guest judge. Hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro even joined Porter for the opening number to “How Will I Know.” Xochitl Gomez performed an epic tango with Val Chmerkovskiy to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” despite dancing with a sprained ankle. Ariana Madix earned an impressive 39/40 for her powerful paso doble to “Queen of the Night.”
“Disney Heroes Night” – Season 30, Episode 4 (2021)
This episode featured no eliminations, though the following week required dancers to incorporate a “Mickey Dance Challenge” into their routines. The set was filled with nostalgic Disney magic, highlighted by Olivia Jade and Val Chmerkovskiy’s samba to “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from The Lion King. Meanwhile, Emma Slater and Jimmie Allen moved the audience to tears with their paso doble to “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” dedicated to Allen’s late father.
“Grease Night” – Season 30, Episode 6 (2021)
Long before High School Musical, there was the legendary Grease. This episode celebrated the 1950s with leather jackets, poodle skirts, and dance routines inspired by the film. Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten brought elegance with a Viennese waltz to “Beauty School Dropout,” performed live by Frankie Avalon, earning the highest score of the night. Shockingly, Melanie C and Gleb Savchenko were eliminated after performing a quickstep to the classic Grease hit.
“Most Memorable Year” – Season 32, Episode 5 (2023)
This emotional episode honored longtime judge Len Goodman following his passing. Pro dancers Julianne and Derek Hough performed a heartfelt waltz to “Moon River,” choreographed by Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy. Tears flowed throughout the night, especially when Mira Sorvino shared a mother-daughter dance with her child, Mattea. Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev earned top marks for their performance to “Lose You to Love Me,” which reflected Lawson’s personal journey out of a toxic relationship.