Professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy is calling for a shift in casting strategy for Dancing With the Stars, expressing his preference for fewer political figures on the popular reality competition series.
Speaking at Jennie Garth and iHeartPodcast's "I Choose Me" live summit at the iHeartRadio Theatre in Burbank, California on Saturday, April 25, Chmerkovskiy articulated his vision for the show's future direction. When asked about his casting preferences, his response was direct: "Less politicians."
The veteran dancer explained his reasoning by highlighting what he considers the show's greater purpose beyond entertainment. "One of the things I admire about our show, I love being a part of the fact that in a world quite literally designed to split us all apart and create agony amongst people, we're a show that creates union and brings people together," Chmerkovskiy stated. "Yes, it's just a dance show, but it's way more than just a dance show."
Chmerkovskiy emphasized the unifying potential of the program, noting that "Dance is just a vehicle to bring people together — of all ages, all political sides. No one knows who's voting for who, and we're all just enjoying ourselves and enjoying two hours a week of just good family fun."
The show has featured numerous controversial political figures throughout its run, including former Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and former White House press secretary Sean Spicer. Spicer's casting in Season 28 generated significant attention when it was announced in September 2019.
At the time, Chmerkovskiy defended the diverse casting approach. "My reaction was like, 'Yo, Sean Spicer's on the cast!' That was my reaction calling my brother," he told People magazine. He went on to explain that the show's strength lies in its eclectic mix of personalities. "But then in the same breath, it's like, and so is Ray Lewis and so is Lamar Odom and so is Christie Brinkley and so is Hannah [Brown]. The thing that makes our show unique and wild and crazy and entertaining is the fact that it's a collective of all these different people. And you don't have to agree or follow all these people."
Chmerkovskiy's perspective appears to have evolved since then, with his recent comments suggesting a desire to minimize political controversy in favor of the show's unifying mission. He emphasized the inclusive nature of dance, noting his pride in "how inclusive dance is and that it doesn't judge based on any of the past."
Looking ahead to potential future partnerships, Chmerkovskiy expressed openness to working with Summer House star Ciara Miller, who has been the subject of casting speculation. "Of course! Ciara seems very, very dynamic and very positive, and looks like she's excited to do the show," he said. "Maura seems very lovely as well. I can't predict either one of them being my partner."
The professional dancer described the partner assignment process as similar to "quiet dating or an arranged situation," noting that regardless of who the casting director pairs him with, he commits fully to the partnership. "Whoever the casting director puts me with, I will give my all and like I said, every season, they'll have my undivided attention and effort and focus, and I'll give them everything I got," Chmerkovskiy concluded.
His comments reflect broader conversations about the role of entertainment programming in an increasingly polarized cultural landscape, with Chmerkovskiy advocating for Dancing With the Stars to serve as a refuge from political division rather than a platform that amplifies it.