Couples

This season featured thirteen celebrity contestants. The first eight professional dancers were revealed on Good Morning America on August 23, 2016: Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Allison Holker, and Gleb Savchenko.^[2] The other returning dancers were later announced: Emma Slater,^[3] Maksim Chmerkovskiy,^[4] Derek Hough, and Cheryl Burke.^[5] Jenna Johnson was the only new pro this season, having previously been a member of the troupe.^[6][7]

The full cast was revealed on August 30, 2016, on Good Morning America.^[8]

Hosts and judges

Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews returned as hosts, and Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli returned as judges.^[19] On August 26, 2016, it was reported that Julianne Hough would return to the show as a judge following a one-season hiatus.^[5] Due to a personal tragedy, Erin Andrews took a week off from her co-hosting duties and former pro Kym Johnson-Herjavec filled in during the results show in week 3.^[20] On October 17, Pitbull took over Len Goodman's position as a guest judge for week 6.^[21] On November 7, Idina Menzel took over for Goodman as a guest judge for week 9.^[22]

Dance troupe

The troupe consisted of returning members Alan Bersten, Brittany Cherry, Hayley Erbert, and Dennis Jauch, joined by former pro Keo Motsepe and new member Britt Stewart.^[23]

Week 1: First Dances

Couples are listed in the order they performed. After Ryan & Cheryl's performance, two protesters were arrested for rushing to the stage and shouting at Lochte.^[24]

Week 2: TV Night

The couples performed one unlearned dance to famous TV theme songs, and are listed in the order they performed.

Week 3: Face-off Night

The couples were paired off into six sets, and each set of couples performed the same dance to different songs. The highest-scoring couple from each set won immunity and could not be eliminated. Any ties were broken by Len Goodman. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Week 4: Cirque du Soleil Night

Individual judges' scores in this chart (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.

The couples performed one unlearned dance inspired by a Cirque du Soleil show, while acrobats, aerialists, dancers, and fire-stick performers from Cirque du Soleil performed alongside them. Two couples were eliminated at the end of the night. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Week 5: Most Memorable Year Night

Individual judges' scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.

The couples performed one unlearned dance to celebrate the most memorable year of their lives. No elimination took place this week. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Week 6: Latin Night

Individual judges' scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Pitbull, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.

The couples danced a Latin-inspired routine. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Week 7: Eras Night

The couples performed one unlearned dance and a team dance representing different historical eras. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

After a three-week absence, Len Goodman temporarily returned to the judges' table.

Week 8: Halloween Night

Individual judges' scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.

Couples performed one unlearned dance. The couple with the highest score earned immunity from elimination, while the rest of the couples participated in dance-offs for extra points. Because Calvin, Laurie, and James all earned perfect scores, the tiebreaker was cumulative points over the season, which resulted in James winning immunity and a five-point bonus. For each dance-off, the couple with the highest score picked the opponent against whom they wanted to dance; the chosen opponent was allowed to pick the dance style (cha-cha-cha, jive, or salsa). The winner of each dance-off earned three bonus points. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

James Hinchcliffe performed with Jenna Johnson after Sharna Burgess sustained an injury the week before.^[14]

Week 9: Showstoppers Night

Individual judges' scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Idina Menzel, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.

Couples performed one musical theatre-inspired dance and a team-up dance with another couple, which involved the celebrities dancing side-by-side to the same song and receiving the same set of scores from the judges for the routine. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Jenna Johnson performed again with James Hinchcliffe this week.^[15]

Week 10: Semifinals

Individual judges' scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.

The couples performed an unlearned dance and a trio dance involving an eliminated pro or a member of the troupe.

Week 11: Finals

Individual judges' scores in the chart below (given in parentheses) are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.

On the first night, the couples performed a redemption dance and their freestyle routine, after which a final couple was eliminated. On the second night, the final three couples performed a fusion dance that combined two dance styles. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

After a three-week absence, Len Goodman returned to the judges' table for the finals.

Night 1

Night 2