Does it make any difference that a reality show like “Dancing With the Stars” is long in the tooth? No, it doesn’t. Not when the producers have gathered a cast of characters that includes wild man Gary Busey, snake charmer Bindi Irwin, butter queen Paula Deen, pop legend Chaka Khan, a couple of boy band stars, a social media phenom and a newly crowned American hero.
That’s a breath of fresh air, even for a series that has a definite, established (some might say tired) formula. Season 21’s contestants bring baggage and potential, loyal fans and hardened haters.