User reviews

I am absolutely NOT liking the judges AT ALL!!!!!! I WANT Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy back!!!! WHY jojo,really...are you that desperate, same with Leah Remini???

NOTE: The 6 rating is for the show itself, the way it's run, not the contestants, these incredible troupers, who deserve a 10.

The thing I like most about this show is how the dancers have to step up each week and perform in a genre that is usually much different than their own; this requires the performers to be unbelievably flexible - not just physically but mentally and emotionally, and most of them are genuinely inspiring to watch.

I don't think the judges are really fair, especially Nigel, who seems to not appreciate anyone whose style and personage is different than the mainstream ideas of gender-acceptability. He has more of a problem with some of the guys, whom he berates for not being 'masculine enough' to take the lead with a female partner. Very limited - and limiting - imagination, he has. I really like Mia Michaels, who's the complete opposite: very open-minded and fair, a true artist and an inspiring creative force.

I also don't think it's fair that the 3 lowest-voted boys and the 3 lowest-voted girls each week get THIRTY SECONDS ONLY to show what they can do individually before the judges make their decisions. This is ridiculous, it's clearly not enough time - they should be given at least 2 minutes or at the very least a minute and a half so they can allow their chosen routine to build a little; with the THIRTY-SECOND time, everyone usually winds up looking frantic. Give these people a break, I say. They have time for a complete performance from a guest star, like Neo, this week, for instance, but they don't have time for the actual contestants? This is absolutely pathetic.

The show is clearly a personality contest, and they admit it. They're not looking for 'America's BEST dancer' but rather 'America's FAVORITE dancer,' and this is okay, because let's face it, any public competition generally winds up being a popularity contest anyway. So at least they're up front about that. I especially appreciate how they show the performers practicing each week in the genre they've found themselves dancing in. Sometimes it looks like they'll never be able to pull it off, but 90% of the time, once they're in their costumes and the audience is present, they manage to shine.

8/16/07 : THRILLED that Sabra won tonight! I didn't think she had a chance; I was sure Neil or Danny would take it, and I have a feeling she felt that way too. I've been watching nearly ever week just to see her numbers - when she dances, you can't take your eyes off her, plain and simple. The judges did get it right about her - she has The Magic. Something you can't buy, steal or be taught. A thrilling performer.

8/8/08 : This time around, I was rooting for either Katee or Joshua to take it, and I couldn't have been any more pleased that Joshua won last night. Another great year, very inspired and inspiring.

Really not happy with the judges making the decisions, I am not sure what they were thinking eliminating Madison, who should've won the show. She was never in the bottom yet the others were, she danced effortlessly. This was a really bad decision which changed the whole season. I've been a fan since the very first season and really disappointed that fans didn't have a say, and it fell down to three judges. Unfortunately, if it is run the same way in the future, I likely will not watch it which would be the first season. I did not watch. I'm not sure what else to say to get to 600 words, but extremely disappointed.

Coming from a point of view of just a "regular person" I watched So You Think You Can Dance and fell in love. It does have a lot of the same tricks as American Idol, but there's one big and important thing that it does not share, and that is when they eliminate the contestants for the purpose that America does not pick the best dancer based on just personality. What actually happens is that America picks the bottom three couples, and then they each have 90 seconds to prove themselves(it is obvious who has practiced or not) and then the judges eliminate two of them. And I think majority of the time, the judges give very good reasons, they are not biased, they are fair. But afterwards, when it comes to the top 5 couples, they are separated and then randomly chosen for one another to see the chemistry they can have with other partners. In that voting process, America chooses who stays and who leaves, until the final four where one is chosen as America's favorite dancer. (not America's best dancer) Another thing I liked about the judging process is that they switch judges to prevent a bias, but they are usually judges of different styles just as the contestants are. The contestants are obviously chosen because of their strength in their own style, but in the process of trying out, they are tested if they can follow different sorts of choreography well to test their versatility and if they can, the judges tell if they are voted into competition or not. But throughout the competition, they do beautiful and fun pieces, which makes the show very addicting to watch because no one knows what type of dance will be chosen for them or how they will do.

I study voice and so when I watch a show like American Idol, I can tell when they're faking it. Worse - they always get away with it. I also dance, so I was not going to turn away an opportunity to watch a dancing American Idol. Way better than the original. You just can't fake it. The dancers are either good or they're bad - no getting around it. The result? An absolutely amazing hour of dances that remind you to love the arts. There's hip hop and ballroom the entire spectrum is covered. I personally can't wait for a second season and would recommend this show to anyone who has ever tapped their foot while listening to music. It's just that good.

Unlike singing competitions which can begin to feel like karaoke night twice a week, So You Think You Can Dance is fresh and will keep renewing itself. Dance is always changing, always becoming more global, technical, artistic, theatrical, and more. There are no limits in dance, and thus this show has the potential to go on forever.

The greatest thing about this show is the showcase of the different genres by gifted dancers. Not only is it a "competition" show, it is a performance show. Sure there are the judges to comment, phone numbers to call, and bottom three to fret about, but in the end this show achieves the most in broadcasting the world of dance.

The dancers are still incredible, but I'm not enjoying the season. Don't like the way they're showing it. Really don't get to see how the dancers improve throughout the year even though it's been a few shows. They need to go back to the way they had it before. It's hard to pick your favorite when you really can't see them dancing upfront there with a pack of other people. It just seems like they're getting rid of people quicker and they don't seem to be able to improve their dancing. The judges are OK not as enjoyable to watch. I have been watching this from the beginning and it saddens me that it's going to go away because there will be low watching due to the changes. Why change what worked please go back to the other way so we can watch the beautiful work these dancers do.

I have watched every season of the show and loved it. I don't know what the producers were trying to do getting rid of Nigel and Mary and other professional choreographers to judge, but this has been such a disaster. I couldn't even get past more than a few episodes. I really hope you guys get your act together, because the show is probably going to die after the 17th season. Revamping is not a thing. It sucks every time.

This is my favorite show. I'm a hip hop dancer, and I was thrilled to see the great hip hop in the show, as well as the other dance styles that were delivered with great technique and performance. All the dancers stepped up to the plate and conquered all the styles. Even though, on fox, this show is second to "American Idol" it's much more entertaining.I felt that dance is really coming back to America. And that's great, it's the most overlooked of the preforming arts and i'm glad that it's getting recognition. The judges on the show gave good criticism. The ceorgraphers did everything right. The pairings had great chemistry. This show is a really good pick for anyone who is looking for a great reality show in the summer. One warning though: it's addicting. Once you see it you won't be able to stop watching.

I have been a fan since season 1 and have adjusted to each new tweak in format as it came along, until 2022. This newest format doesn't have much going to recommend it. For starters it's too rushed. We went from auditions to live shows in a blink. This didn't leave any time for us as viewers to get invested in any of the dancers, or their fates. Next in the line of fire is the new voting. Going from mass audience voting to only using the studio audience, I've been in that studio and it's not a lot of people, is a joke. Millions of opinions down to dozens of audience members deciding on "America's Favourite Dancer" is laughable. Then the judges decide who goes home...and then there's the judges. Leah and tWitch are great. JoKo is loud and pretty obnoxious. I'll hang in there for the love of dance and loyalty, this time. I hope they reassess after this season, and go back to what made this a competition show in the first place because legacy loyalty only goes so far and I won't sit through this format again.

From the opening number to the eliminations, the talent is tremendous, the judging is fair, and the sets are lovely. There is not another show on TV that I plan for and miss and look forward to returning, like So You Think You Can Dance. Thank you to the world-class choreographers and the stunning costume and set designers who encourage the best from these amazing dancers. Love, love, love SYTYCD!

Some of the dancers are really good! But I really don't like Martha, she looks like a man dressed as a woman and I really don't like her dancing. I can't see why anyone would think she is hot. Natalie and Musa are HOT!!!! I really like the show and look forward to it each week. I really like Shane as a judge and a dancer. I think that Mary is to much sometimes and I hate all of that screaming. I would like to see the show next season, but I hope that they will let the public vote people off one at a time not in couples. I don't think because one of the dancers are not so good that maybe a good one should be on the chopping block.

I LOVED this show in its early seasons. It was about dance--all kinds of dance. And the judges had strong backgrounds in in the art form, particularly Mary and Nigel and--sorry I forget the names, but there were a few modern/contemporary choreographers with thoughtful criticisms. A variety of styles were explored, and dancers working outside their genres was fascinating to watch.

Then is started to be all about getting an audience reaction to every little move--so naturally it became all about the sexy moves--woo woo!--not about technique or interpretation. I love me a good paso doble, but it's hard to enjoy a dance with the audience screaming and swooning so loud you can barely hear the music. Also, the contemporary pieces started to look more and more alike.

The range of dance styles grew narrow, the original judges were replaced by non-dancers, and I stopped watching. But I checked it out this year (2022) and it's gotten even worse (Leah Rimini as a judge???). As other reviewers have noted, we've got the sobby back stories and all the judges GUSH about the dancers rather than offering constructive criticism.

This is so disappointing for me. I'm not a dancer, but I truly used to get caught up with, even emotional about, the routines performed on SYTYCD. It was a wonderful tribute to the many aspects of a beautiful art form. Now it's just a burlesque.

So sad and disappointed. This has been my favorite program for many years. This year was simply a cheap version of a spectacular premise. The dancers they chose were not as good. I missed the presence of the past winners. Nigel and Mary were the best part of the show. And finally you cannot be America's favorite dancer if America cannot vote on the favorite dancer. Please please remove the show but bring back its former glory.

Superb talent. Some of the best choreographers in the country. Gorgeous costumes and make up. A variety of dance styles so I never get bored. Several routines each show that move me to tears. This is one of the best shows on television.

My only problem is that I love so many of the dancers I can't decide who to vote for.

I hope this show has a long, long life on TV. I LOVE THIS SHOW.

Reality television as a whole is a cesspool that collects the very worst of human behavior and emotions in a cistern and lets it fester until it creates the fertilizer for the destructive roots growing into the foundations of civilized society. There are a few exceptions. One of the major ones is the Fox series So You Think You Can Dance. All the ingredients for the cheesy talent competitions that have embedded themselves into a huge section of most stations' schedules are present- 3 judges, an impossibly photogenic host, and a bunch of attractive young people yearning to realize their dream. But that's pretty much where the similarities end. The major difference is these kids are actually talented. They dance their little hearts out every week and are an absolute delight to watch. SYTYCD is such an anticipated pleasure each and every season. There just isn't anywhere else except Broadway and your local dance troupes that you can experience the joy of watching this level of dance. The choreographers have won many an Emmy for the show, and deservedly so. The complexity, story, and variety they put into each number elevates this reality show to heights far beyond the hoi polloi. The show exposes the viewer to many different types of music as well as different forms of dance, most of which one would never have exposure to. This isn't "Dancing With The Stars" where B-list celebrities try desperately to adhere to simple foxtrots and tangos- we get treated to everything from African Jazz to incredibly challenging contemporary pieces choreographed and danced by some of the best in the country. It's culture, folks. Don't think that it gets bogged down in pretentiousness, though. This show is, above all, fun. Everyone involved seems to be having a ball. The kids enjoy strutting their stuff, the choreographers love the exposure, and the judges genuinely seem to care for the kids. They also give advice that actually has to do with dancing! Not only do they seem to enjoy each other's company, there's a guest judge each week to keep the chemistry fresh. Nigel Lythgoe is such an advocate of dance and Mary Murphy, the lost Osmond, is so infectiously perky that it's impossible not to have fun along with them. Host Cat Deely is also such a fashionista half the reason to tune in each week is just to see what she's wearing. The audience enjoys it all as well- I guarantee that at least once per week you will get goosebumps from one of the numbers- and who doesn't love that? The final element that I like about SYTYCD- each season I've watched, the audience watching at home that calls in and votes have got the winner right. This isn't a show that encourages a backlash like what inspired the American Idol's "Vote For the Worst" campaign. Those of us who watch it vote for the best dancer, not just the prettiest face or the largest personality. Yes, in earlier rounds, even up to some of the final shows, a personality will get a contestant far. But unless they back that up with actual talent and effort they won't win. And that's what makes this reality show more real than most, and a real treat to watch.

I love this show. I loved all the dancers, and I loved watching them too. They were all amazing. Nigel Lythgow was the best judge, and I loved Cat Deeley as the host. I watched this show, every week, and I watched season 2, and all of season 3. When my sister showed this show to me for the first time, I fell in love with it right away. I'm glad Sabra won, but Danny was really really really good too. Lauren was good, but not as good as Sabra. Neil was excellent, and I think he came close to being as good as Danny. Pasha was good, Dominic was good, Hok was good, and everyone else was good, but not as good as Danny and Sabra. I was so happy that I started watching this show, because I got hooked on it right away. I can't wait until season 4. Wahoo!! I give this show a 10/10.

The dancers are very talented but no more than in previous years. Missing Nigel and Mary. Their years of experience and expertise are so needed. Twitch is great as a judge and as a former winner of SYTYCD knows what it takes to be a successful dancer. I've watched for years and will continue for at least a few more episodes to give it a fair shot.

I love "So You Think You Can Dance!"

I really hope Mary Murphy will be one of judges in this show that will be renewed soon. Mary had been a great and interesting judge in the previous seasons with her expertise in the dance world and wonderful personalities that had won of the hearts of so many of us as dance fans.

We look forward to seeing this amazing show again.

There was a time when So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) was absolutely electric. It stood out from every other dance competition show because it wasn't about glitz or gimmicks - it was about raw, undeniable talent, and the way movement could stir your soul. It gave America a front-row seat to ballet, krumping, ballroom, contemporary, jazz - and it respected the craft.

The earlier seasons were magic. You had choreographers like Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Travis Wall, and Mandy Moore creating emotional masterpieces. The contestants weren't just dancers - they were artists, telling stories through bodies in motion. And the chemistry on that stage? Unmatched. The show didn't just highlight technical skill - it challenged dancers to adapt to every style, to push themselves, to break out of their comfort zones. And we loved them for it.

But let's be real: Post-COVID, something's changed.

The energy's been off. The production feels stripped down. The stakes don't feel as high. And a lot of fans feel like the heart that once beat so loudly through the choreography is now muffled behind a thinner budget, fewer episodes, and less emotionally gripping storytelling.

Judging panels have rotated a lot, and while some of the new blood is talented, it's hard to match the chemistry and credibility of the OGs - people like Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, or guest judges who really understood both the technique and emotional range of dance. Now? Sometimes it feels more like a TikTok audition room than a crucible for future legends.

That's not to say the dancers aren't talented - they absolutely are. But the connection between audience and performance feels weaker. The build-up isn't there. The character arcs? Fading. And the soul that once made you cry over a contemporary duet or cheer for a breaking round now feels diluted by rushed edits and formulaic episodes.

Final Word:

So You Think You Can Dance still has glimmers of its former greatness - especially when a truly remarkable dancer hits the stage and reminds you what the show used to be. But overall, it hasn't been the same since COVID. Something was lost in the transition - not just in format, but in feeling.

6 out of 10.

Still worth watching for the occasional brilliance - but longtime fans can't help but wish for the days when this show moved both hearts and feet at full force.

For 16 seasons this was my family's favorite show. My kids grew up with it, we'd watch it on summer vacations and we'd have enthusiastic conversations about our favorite numbers and choreographers. BUT THEY RUINED IT WITH SEASON 17! The new audition format, THE ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE GOD-AWFUL JUDGES! And early eliminations of the BEST dancers out of the final 12 has made the show completely UNWATCHABLE! It's beyond sad, it's truly heartbreaking.

The dancers are actually challenged outside of their comfort zone and the choreography is flawless.

Starting Season 15 to present, it got TERRIBLE. There's no longer any depth or intimacy. The show blows through auditions and moves super fast with no chance of getting connected to contestants with great backstories, and just lacks all emotion. Judges aren't fun at all. There's no chemistry between them, or positive excitement as in past seasons. Dancing isn't celebrated as an art anymore, just a competition. The auditions are in a small dance studio and no longer on stage with other dancers as the audience. It's just unwatchable. I try each season with high hopes and just bail after the first episode.

The judges are a huge disappointment. This show used to be wonderful. What I loved most (beside the exceptionally talented dancers) were the professional judges who offered technical commentary and brought their own dance experience to their evaluations. I'm not sure how the current judges are qualified. Siwa is very obnoxious, and in general the judges say things like "you brought the vibe" but don't provide anything beyond generalized statements. I don't know - it's just not good anymore. Mediocre like so much television and this too seems to be going for political points rather than actually focusing on talent. Bring back Nigel and Mary. I'm not going to be watching anymore.