[IMG:L]Dancing with the Stars — 8/7c on ABC
ABC’s version of American Idol–in the ratings department–returns tonight.
Granted, the title has always been a bit misleading–Dancing with the One-Time Stars would be more appropriate–but that’s a non-issue for fans jonesing for yet another competition-type reality show.
Dancing, which originated in England (under the title Strictly Come Dancing) and has since been adapted for over 30 countries, has an edge on Idol in that it typically airs twice a year.
Last season’s show saw major drama emerge, including a fainting spell suffered by “Star” Marie Osmond; it ended rather anticlimactically with racecar driver Helio Catroneves winning the competition, but the ratings were nonetheless massive.
Among the contestants this season vying for the title/return to quasi-relevance: Jimmy Kimmel’s buddy/talk-show host Adam Carolla, former movie star Steve Guttenberg, magician/comedian Penn Jillette, Elvis’ widow Priscilla Presley, former tennis champion Monica Seles and, easily, the most famous contestant, American Pie’s Shannon Elizabeth.
Tonight’s sixth-season premiere showcases the guys’ talent–or lack thereof–on the dance floor.
