WOODBURY – At the heart of the American household, the television set has been a contributor to family entertainment since the 1950s. Over the course of history through the decades, our interests and viewing habits have changed dramatically over time, but one topic that has remained at the human peak of entertainment: reality television. 

Unlike the channel Bravo, which is targeted for more adult audiences, the show Dance Moms encompasses a more family friendly version that captures the same amount of action–and teeth-clenching drama. 

“I first found myself watching Dance Moms probably in 2020,” said Nonnewaug junior James Assard. “I saw it on social media and I really dived in to watch it, after that I couldn’t stop.”

In recent years the hit TV show Dance Moms has taken over social media by storm, drawing people in by the absurd accusations a dance teacher could make to a child. But as viewers watch into later seasons they realize it is just the beginning. 

“I really like to watch the moms, whether in fighting or drama about dance,” said Assard. “I’d definitely say that it is a family friendly version of reality TV. I think it’s best for teens & young teens to start watching it especially if you are into watching [The] Housewives on Bravo and shows like that because it’s not as graphic and adult.” 

With all reviews around Nonnewaug painting the same story of being pulled into watching this addictive show, viewers couldn’t help but think they felt the exact same way when watching it as well. Most viewers have never been a person to binge watch a show, yet this one has kept  audiences addicted to the TV screen. 

“What I love most about Dance Moms is the drama, how everyone is always fighting, and there is always something that spices up the show,” said Nonnewaug senior Alexandra Chaberek. “I think Abby Lee Miller, the dance teacher, is crazy, and it’s crazy that those mothers send their children back to her every week.”

Once watching the show and realizing how crazy Miller is, it is quite baffling to the viewer as to why these mothers are so appalled about the mistreatment of their child but yet bring their child back to the same building every week just for it to happen again, and a student who wishes to remain anonymous because of the reputation of the show, from Nonnewaug seemed to agree. 

“I mostly watch dance moms with my own mom,” said the anonymous junior.  “It’s a show that we can just laugh at together at the end of the day. It’s a nice way to unwind. These poor kids are just being screamed at. It’s honestly hysterical, but it sucks your attention in.”

Honestly, much of the show’s audience believes that’s the reason it sucks the viewers in. We are all waiting every episode for the mothers to finally flip a switch, going from sanity, to mentally unstable. 

“At the end of a long day it just gives me a good laugh, if someone wanted to start watching it I’d say go for it. It gives you so much laughter and you always get drama,” said Chaberek. “You get everything up in that show, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh, it’s amazing.”