Has Bristol Palin ruined 'Dancing with the Stars'?
Some say that her unlikely success as a reality-TV hoofer could change the series beyond all recognition

Although she's gotten "consistently mediocre scores" from the judges, Bristol Palin will be taking to the floor in next week's "Dancing with the Stars" final — thanks, some say, to an army of Sarah Palin supporters who have voted her through. Her success has outraged fellow contestants and viewers, some even to the point of violence. "It's just been one of those seasons when surprising things happen," says the show's executive producer, Conrad Green. But after Bristol's controversial run, will the beloved reality show ever be the same again?
She's destroyed DWTS's credibility: "The show's going to suffer and very likely will have to rethink its rules going forward," says Scott Huver, an entertainment journalist, as quoted by Fox News. "Many dedicated viewers take the competition quite seriously," and the idea that one motivated group can "radically alter" the results will annoy those viewers, fuel media criticism, and likely drive the producers to look for "ways to keep the process 'pure.'"
"Bristol Palin's 'DWTS' success: Right-wing conspiracy or improved dancer who deserves to win?"
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
And she's made it harder for producers to hire real stars: Asking Bristol to participate probably seemed like a "brilliant idea" at first, says Rob Shuter at Pop Eater. "Now the joke is on the show's producers." If a Tea Party-endorsed two-stepper can win, no real Hollywood celebrities will sign on. Even worse: "It's now painfully obvious that the judge's scores and opinions mean nothing."
"Insiders: If Bristol Palin wins, 'Dancing' Is Ruined"
Are you kidding? This is exactly what reality-TV producers want: Fans and fellow contestants may be shocked and dismayed by Palin's success, but the producers have "got to be loving this," says Richard Huff in the New York Daily News. The uproar is precisely the reason she's on the program. "Part of the appeal of reality shows is watching an unexpected star emerge," and, let's face it, "would anyone be talking about [this season] if Palin were not in it?"
"Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas might win Dancing With the Stars, and if so, good for them"
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How to travel with your dog
The Week Recommends These tips will help both of you have a great time
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US
-
'Congress could help by providing federal protections'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US
-
Musk vows DOGE pullback as Tesla profits plunge
Speed Read The Tesla SEO says he will soon step back from government matters to devote more time to the company
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?
In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
By The Week Staff
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?
Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?
Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?
The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
By The Week UK
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK