I remember one year, I was deep into a season where a cute veterinarian from a reality show was somehow terrified of the paso doble. I told my partner, “I need to know when the finale is so I can cancel my plans.” He replied, “You don’t have any plans.” He was right. And I was proud. The finale gave me a false sense of schedule mastery, like I was a CEO of my living room. The truth? I was just a person in pajamas, waiting for a man in a velvet jacket to spin a soap star.
Another friend—the one who “doesn’t watch TV”—texted me on finale day: “Is it tonight? I need to see if the gymnast wins.” See? The finale has a gravitational pull. It drags in people who claim they only watch documentaries about coral reefs. By 9 PM, they’re Googling “what is a jive vs. a salsa.”
How to Survive the Wait (Without Going Full Drama)
If you’re reading this and the finale is still weeks away, don’t panic. You have time to stock up on snacks. I recommend popcorn, because it’s quiet and you can throw it at the TV when the judges give a 10 to a dance that was clearly a 9. Record every episode if you’re busy—the finale isn’t about seeing the dances live; it’s about the community of people messaging each other, “OMG, did you see that lift?”
Dancing with the Stars Finale: Find Out the Songs and Styles
Set a reminder on your phone. Seriously. I’ve missed the start of a finale because I was arguing with an IKEA instruction manual. Do not be me. Check the official ABC website or social media—they announce the date about a month before, like a royal wedding of spandex. And if you’re still confused, just ask your coworker Karen who brings baked goods to the break room. She definitely knows.