Following season after season of casting imbalances (Simone Biles vs. Mr T.?) and the unanticipated success of a number of NFL and MLB players (Rashad Jennings? David Ross?!), “Dancing with the Stars” returns tonight with a lineup consisting exclusively of athletes for its 26th season.
America’s sweetheart Adam Rippon will grace our screens once again, fresh off the Olympic ice. Tonya Harding will also be back on television, a couple of seasons after Nancy Kerrigan finished at a respectable sixth place. You already know someone will crack a bad joke.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, at a ripe 71 years old, will also take the stage with partner Lindsay Arnold. That foot-and-a-half-plus height difference definitely won’t be hilarious to watch at all.
While I know close to nothing about the intricacies of dance, you can’t deny that seeing these athletes on a behind-the-scenes level will be great television.
I’m also happy to report that Erin Andrews isn’t going anywhere as co-host to Tom Bergeron! Her barely-concealed awkwardness and terrible comic timing is truly the shining light on this show.
“Dancing with the Stars” premieres tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT.