You’ve seen the TikToks. You’ve probably seen the "showmance" rumors swirling on your feed for months. But honestly, the story of Jen on Dancing with the Stars—specifically Jennifer Tran from Season 33 and now the buzz around Jennifer Affleck for Season 34—is way more than just sparkly outfits and high scores.
It’s messy. It’s a little chaotic. And for Jenn Tran, it was a redemption arc that ended way too soon.
When Jenn Tran stepped onto that ballroom floor in September 2024, she wasn't just another reality star. She was coming off one of the most brutal endings in Bachelorette history. Remember that finale? The proposal to Devin Strader that fell apart before the cameras even finished rolling? Yeah, that one. She joined the cast of Season 33 with basically 45 minutes of notice before flying to New York for the reveal. Most people would be a shell of a person after that kind of public heartbreak. Jenn? She chose to sweat it out in 4-inch heels.
The Sasha Farber Factor and Those "Babe" Comments
The chemistry was instant. Like, "did they just kiss?" levels of instant. Partnered with Sasha Farber, Jenn didn't just learn to dance; she seemed to find her spark again. They were "Jen and Sasha" from day one. Fans went absolutely feral when a TikTok dropped of Sasha calling her "babe" at a McDonald’s drive-thru.
Was it a PR stunt? Some people thought so. But if you watched them during "Disney Night" or that intense Tango to A Little Party Never Killed Nobody, you could see the trust. It wasn't just for the cameras. They were attached at the hip for seven weeks straight. Even after they were eliminated, the rumors didn't die. They were spotted at Thanksgiving together at Alfonso Ribeiro’s house. They were dubbed the "cutest couple" by the host's wife.
Later, it came out that they actually were dating. They kept it low-key for a bit, then soft-launched on Instagram with some birthday photos. But like many "showmances," the flame didn't last forever. By June 2025, news broke that they’d split, though they’re apparently still "very good friends." Classic Hollywood, right?
Why the Scoring Felt Totally Rigged
Let’s talk about the actual dancing. Because honestly, Jenn got a raw deal from the judges more than once.
During "Oscars Night," she pulled off a one-handed cartwheel. A cartwheel! Most celebrities struggle to stay upright in a frame, and she’s doing gymnastics. The judges gave her a 19. The same score she got the week before. It felt like she was hitting a glass ceiling while other contestants—no shade to Eric Roberts or Reginald VelJohnson—were getting "participation points" for doing half the work.
The real kicker was her elimination on "Halloween Nightmares."
- She danced a Contemporary routine to Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampire.
- She got her first 10 from Carrie Ann Inaba.
- She won a Salsa dance-off against Olympic legend Stephen Nedoroscik (aka "Pommel Horse Guy").
- She was third on the leaderboard.
And she still went home.
The internet exploded. People were screaming on X (formerly Twitter) about how Dwight Howard should have been the one to go. It felt like the "system" failed her. She had the growth, she had the scores, but the fan votes just weren't there that night.
The New "Jen" in the Ballroom
Fast forward to 2025, and there's a new "Jen" taking over the conversation. Jennifer Affleck—the breakout star from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives—is hitting the Season 34 stage.
It’s a different vibe entirely. This Jen is a mother of three who literally ran a marathon a few weeks after her last baby was born. She’s coming in with a massive TikTok following and something to prove. Unlike Jenn Tran, who was looking for a fresh start after a breakup, Jennifer Affleck is looking to show that "Mormon Mom" influencers can handle the intensity of a live competition.
She’s been vocal about this being a "dream" since she was a kid. If you’ve watched her show, you know the drama follows her. Putting her on a show like Dancing with the Stars is basically pouring gasoline on a fire. We’re all just waiting to see if she has the rhythm to match the hype.
What You Can Actually Learn from the "Jen" Era
If you’re a fan or just someone who likes the drama, there are a few things to keep in mind about how these seasons actually work.
First, the "leaderboard" is a lie. Well, not a lie, but it’s only half the story. You can be the best dancer in the room—like Jenn Tran was on Halloween night—and still get the boot if people aren't texting your name to the hotline.
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Second, the "showmance" is the best marketing tool the show has. Whether it was Jenn and Sasha or the rumors we're already hearing about Season 34 pairings, the show thrives on "are they or aren't they?" speculation. It keeps people watching during the boring rehearsal packages.
If you're following the current season or looking back at Jenn Tran's run, here's how to stay in the loop:
- Don't trust the first 30 minutes of the show. The real drama happens in the final five minutes of the live broadcast.
- Watch the TikToks, not just the episodes. Half of the context for the Jenn/Sasha relationship happened in 15-second clips, not on ABC.
- Vote early. If you have a favorite, don't wait for the "perfect" dance. The voting windows are incredibly short.
Jenn Tran might not have won the Mirrorball, but she definitely won the "most talked about" title of her season. And with Jennifer Affleck stepping in for Season 34, it looks like the name "Jen" is going to be synonymous with ballroom drama for a long time.