June 2005 was a weird time for TV. We were all obsessed with flip phones and low-rise jeans, and ABC decided to take a massive gamble on a British import called Strictly Come Dancing. They called it 1st season dancing with the stars. Honestly, nobody thought it would work. Executives were skeptical. Critics thought it was a joke. Six celebrities, six ballroom pros, and a dream of a sparkly trophy that looked like a disco ball? It sounded like a fever dream.
But then, 13 million people tuned in for the premiere.
It wasn’t just a hit; it was a phenomenon. By the finale, over 22 million people were watching. That’s Super Bowl-adjacent territory for a summer replacement show. If you weren't there, it's hard to describe how much this show changed the DNA of reality television. It wasn't about mean-spirited judges or eating bugs; it was about the "journey."
Why 1st season dancing with the stars Still Matters Today
The first season was short. Only six episodes. It felt like a test run because, well, it was. But that brevity created a pressure cooker. There was no room for error. If you messed up a Cha-cha-cha in week two, you were basically toast.
The cast was a strange, beautiful mix of people you’d never expect to see in sequins.
- Kelly Monaco: The General Hospital star who became the ultimate underdog.
- John O'Hurley: Known for playing J. Peterman on Seinfeld, he brought an unexpected elegance.
- Joey McIntyre: The New Kids on the Block heartthrob who actually had some rhythm.
- Rachel Hunter: A supermodel who found out ballroom is way harder than a runway.
- Evander Holyfield: A heavyweight champion trying to find his light feet.
- Trista Sutter: The original Bachelorette who, unfortunately, was the first to go.
People forget how raw it was. The lighting was a bit harsh. The costumes weren't as "pro" as they are now. But the stakes felt incredibly real.
The Underdog Story of Kelly Monaco
Kelly Monaco and her partner, Alec Mazo, didn't start as favorites. Not even close. In fact, after the first week, they were at the bottom of the leaderboard. The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli—were brutal. They gave Kelly a 13 out of 30 for her Waltz. That's a "go home" score in today's world.
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But something shifted.
During week four, Kelly had a major wardrobe malfunction during her Samba. Her skirt literally started falling apart while she was dancing live. Instead of panicking, she kept going. She held that dress together with one hand and kept her feet moving. That was the moment she won the hearts of the audience. It showed grit.
The Controversy Nobody Saw Coming
The finale of 1st season dancing with the stars is still talked about in ballroom circles. On July 6, 2005, Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo were crowned the winners.
The crowd went wild, but a lot of people were furious.
John O'Hurley and his partner, Charlotte Jørgensen, had consistently higher scores from the judges. They were technically superior. John looked like he was born in a tuxedo. When Kelly won based on the fan vote, it sparked a national debate about whether the show was a dance competition or a popularity contest.
It got so heated that ABC actually staged a "Dance-Off" special in September of that year. It was a rematch. John and Kelly went head-to-head again. This time, the fans voted John the winner. So, technically, season one has two winners depending on who you ask, though Kelly still holds the official title and the first-ever Mirrorball Trophy.
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The Technical Reality of 2005
Watching clips now is like looking at a time capsule.
The scoring was different. The "Freestyle" round, which is now the highlight of every season, was much tamer. Kelly and Alec did a freestyle to Pink's "Get the Party Started." It involved some basic lifts and a lot of energy, but compared to the acrobatic stunts we see now, it was remarkably simple.
Tom Bergeron hosted alongside Lisa Canning. Tom was the glue. His quick wit and ability to handle live TV mishaps kept the show from feeling like a middle school recital. Lisa only stayed for one season, but she was part of that original magic.
The Judges' Legacy
Len Goodman was the "grumpy" one from the start. He wanted proper footwork. No gimmicks. Carrie Ann looked for the emotion and the "lift" violations (she still does!). Bruno was... well, Bruno. Flamboyant, loud, and prone to falling out of his chair.
They established the "10" as the holy grail. In the first season, getting a 9 felt like winning the lottery. A perfect 30? Nearly impossible. John O'Hurley managed a perfect score for his Waltz in the finale, which made his loss even more shocking to the "purists."
What We Learned from the Ballroom
The success of 1st season dancing with the stars proved that American audiences loved a transformation. We didn't just want to see people dance; we wanted to see them struggle, sweat, and eventually succeed. It humanized celebrities in a way that Entertainment Tonight interviews never could.
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It also revitalized ballroom dancing across the country. Studios reported a massive surge in enrollment. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know the difference between a Tango and a Paso Doble.
Moving Forward: How to Watch and Learn
If you're a fan of the current seasons, you owe it to yourself to go back and watch the roots. You can find clips on YouTube or through various streaming archives.
To truly appreciate the evolution of the show, look for these specific moments:
- Kelly Monaco's Week 4 Samba: The "dress incident" that changed her trajectory.
- John O'Hurley's Quickstep: A masterclass in frame and posture for a non-pro.
- The Finale Freestyle: To see how much the choreography has evolved over 30+ seasons.
The first season wasn't perfect. It was messy, the "rematch" was awkward, and the production value was a fraction of what it is today. But it had a heart that resonated with millions. It turned ballroom into a primetime staple and proved that with enough practice, even a boxer or a soap star can look like a pro under the disco ball.
Take a look at the scoring charts from 2005 compared to now. You'll notice the judges were significantly stingier back then. Try to spot the "lift" that Carrie Ann called out in Kelly's early routines—it’s a fun game for any long-time viewer. Understanding these humble beginnings makes the current high-production spectacles feel even more impressive.