Okay, let’s talk about Jenna Johnson, because the woman just gets it. She really does. I saw her talking to Us Weekly, and she dropped a little truth bomb about what she wants back on Dancing With the Stars. And not gonna lie, it’s my number one demand too. This isn’t just some pro dancer wishing for more screen time; this is a veteran of the ballroom, someone who’s been in the trenches, telling us exactly what makes the show pop.

Trios, Baby! But With a Twist!

Jenna, bless her heart, is campaigning for trio nights. Remember those? Where a celebrity and their pro partner got a third person to join in? She says she “really loved trio nights,” and look, who didn’t? Those were some of the most memorable dances, hands down. They brought a different dynamic, a fresh perspective, and sometimes, a whole lot of drama. I mean, you’re basically adding a wild card to an already high-pressure situation. What’s not to love?

But here’s the thing, and this is where Jenna absolutely nails it: she wants those trios to be with pros. Not troupe members, not a random eliminated celeb (though sometimes that worked), but a fellow professional dancer. And she said it herself, “I feel like they always just really spiced up the week or the season.” Yes! A thousand times yes! Because a pro brings a certain level of skill and showmanship that, let’s be honest, not every troupe member has quite honed yet. It’s like adding another master chef to an already bustling kitchen – the food just gets better, you know?

The Lost Art of the Pro Trio

I mean, think about it. You get to see different pro styles clash or blend. You get a new choreography challenge. And for us, the viewers, it’s a chance to see our favorite pros, maybe ones whose partners got eliminated early (poor things), back on the floor, doing what they do best. It’s a win-win-win. DWTS has been around for ages, and sometimes, they mess with things that didn’t need messing with. Trio nights used to be a staple, usually around the quarterfinals or semis, when the competition was really heating up. And then… poof. They just kinda faded out. What gives?

What’s the Deal With “New Wrinkles”?

Her Season 33 partner, Joey G, weighed in too, saying he likes when they “add little wrinkles, or go back to old fads that people loved.” And he’s not wrong. The show needs to evolve, sure, but sometimes evolution means remembering what made you great in the first place. Not everything needs to be reinvented. Sometimes, the best new wrinkle is just bringing back a classic, especially one that fans and even the pros themselves are clamoring for.

“I really loved trio nights… I wish it would be with pros because I feel like they always just really spiced up the week or the season.” – Jenna Johnson

I’ve seen this pattern before, not just on DWTS but on so many long-running reality shows. They get a little too clever, a little too focused on novelty for novelty’s sake. And they forget the core elements that people actually tuned in for. Trios with pros? That’s not a wrinkle; that’s a foundational pillar that got carelessly chipped away.

Why This Actually Matters

Look, Dancing With the Stars, if you’re listening (and you better be), Jenna Johnson is giving you a gold-plated idea here. It’s not some crazy, expensive demand. It’s a tried-and-true segment that worked. It added excitement, showcased talent – both celebrity and professional – and gave us some truly iconic dances. Plus, it gives the eliminated pros a chance to shine again, which is only fair, right?

The show needs more of these moments that really let the pros be, well, pros. They’re the backbone of the show, the ones making the celebrities look good, teaching them the ropes, and putting their bodies through absolute hell every week. Giving them a chance to perform with another high-caliber dancer? That’s not just a “spice up,” that’s a whole new flavor profile for the season. It adds a layer of professionalism and pure dance artistry that, sometimes, gets lost in the celebrity journey.

So, yeah, I’m with Jenna. Bring back the pro trios. It’s not just a “nice to have,” it’s essential viewing. It’s the kind of thing that makes people talk, that makes clips go viral, that reminds everyone why they fell in love with DWTS in the first place. Don’t overthink it, ABC. Just do it.