It was only a matter of time before “Dancing with the Stars” honed in on Sarah Palin. The former vice presidential candidate and Alaska governor was one of the most recognizable faces of the last election, and the show knew it. The question is: Will “Dancing with the Stars” help bring back the spark that propelled Sarah Palin to national prominence in the first place?
The answer may very well be yes. Palin and “Dancing with the Stars” head honcho Tom Bergeron have teamed up to create an all-consuming TV show addiction called “Sarah Palin’s Alaska.” If the series is half as good as its trailer, then we should all have a good laugh. But it might also just pull off the greatest political comeback of all time.
Why Sarah Palin?
Sarah Palin is a fascinating character. While she never held elective office, the 45-year-old former half-term governor of Alaska has spent the past decade building a national profile as a prominent conservative voice. Most recently, she served as the running mate of Donald Trump, the president-elect. The role earned her a spot on the Forbes list of the 50 most powerful women in the world. She also famously turned down an offer to run for president in 2016, saying in a statement at the time, “I don’t think it’s proper for a presidential candidate to be campaigning actively while still in office.”
Now, Sarah Palin will join the “Dancing with the Stars” family as a contestant. Does she have what it takes to win back fans and create a whole new audience? Well, we’re about to find out.
What Is ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’?
For those playing at home, “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” is a reality-competition series in which celebrities compete to see who can survive and thrive in Alaskan wilderness. The contestants must navigate tricky challenges, face down dangerous animals, and endure brutal winter conditions in order to earn their spot on the show. But it’s not all about winning, as the adventure series also offers a chance to make a difference. One of the competitors will be a vet who will use the proceeds of his participation to bring veterinary equipment and supplies to developing countries. The other competitors will have the option of supporting a local Alaska business or nonprofit organization.
Each week, a new contestant will arrive at the start of the episode and must navigate his or her way through a series of tasks that will test their physical and mental strength. Every week, there’s a new task, a new animal, and a new challenge. It’s the great Alaskan adventure, all brought to life by Bergeron and his team.
Premiering With Big Ratings
“Sarah Palin’s Alaska” premieres tomorrow night on the ABC network with a big-time premiere audience. The show’s marketing materials promise that fans of ABC’s “Lost” and “Nashville” will want to be in the audience, and with good reason. The show draws from both franchises, and it shows. Fans of both series will feel right at home.
The show also pulls inspiration from the beloved books and films of Louis L’Amour. The creator of the American West boasts that many scenes in the show were directly lifted from his own novels. And it shows. The outdoor setting of “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” is spectacular, and it’s something that you won’t experience anywhere else. The show is filmed primarily in the scenic town of Ketchikan, complete with the iconic Alexander Hamilton mansion.
When Is ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’ On?
“Sarah Palin’s Alaska” is on every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Be sure to tune in, and let’s all enjoy this great Alaskan adventure together.