'Dancing With the Stars' Worries About Ratings After Kate Gosselin

By Rob Shuter Posted Apr 27th 2010 02:00AM

Her high kicks left much to be desired, but TV mom Kate Gosselin brought another asset to this season of 'Dancing With the Stars' -- a reliable ratings boost. Sources tell me ABC execs are worried sick that viewers might change the channel since the ballroom's most controversial dancer has gone back to her brood. Details on Kate's network appeal, plus Betty White's secret for making friends at 'SNL' -- after the jump.

Dancing Without the Star

Kate Gosselin failed to impress the judges -- or the audience -- during her time on 'Dancing With the Stars,' but ABC knows Kate's clumsy moves were a sure ratings draw.

"No doubt people were turning in each week to see what Kate would do next," an insider tells me. "If she wasn't fighting with her dance partner, Tony, she was fighting with the judges. Kate might be someone that we love to hate, but she is great TV."

Nervous executives will be watching the numbers carefully this week to see if the show remains red hot without Kate. If it doesn't, may I suggest a recount?

Who do you think will win 'DWTS'?

Betty White Sweetens the Deal at 'SNL'

Just when you thought Betty White couldn't get any more adorable, sources tell me the host of next week's 'Saturday Night Live' showed up today at 30 Rock... with a cheesecake for the cast and crew.

"Betty is from the old school. The one thing she learned from 'The Golden Girls' is that everything is better with cheesecake," a friend tells me. "She already has the cast eating out of her hand. They think she is one of the funniest, most talented people they have ever met -- and they love that Betty has told them nothing is off limits for her."

We're already excited for Betty's special May 8 Mother's Day episode. Betty, you're an 88-year-old firecracker worthy of cutting short date night.

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Comments

(54)

Tuesday 27 April

By Jackie

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I wouldn't worry about the ratings, a lot of people were getting tired of Kate's drama. I know, I don't miss her at all. I'm enjoying DWTS's without her!

By Billie

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I voted for Kate the maximum times I could every week.
Now, not gonna watch it. Sorry to all the haters, but I
loved her show Jon & Kate Plus 8 and will watch her new
show when it airs.

By GreatGma08

I didn't vote never do...
I really admire Kate.
She is a go getter!
More Power to her!

Love me some Betty WHite!
She puts the A in Adorable!

By jerry

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

It's people like you Billie that keep this media monger, no talent person around, you're a fool!

By Val

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Kate was worth watching. I'll watch her new show too. I never hated her. I could see she was the only adult in the house.

By Granmaw Sybil

By Janie

Love her or hate her Kate COULDN'T DANCE A STEP. The woman had no rhythm. DWTS is not and should not be based on the person, but, how well they learn to dance. Sorry Billy, I totally disagree with you. Let someone with talent win.

By Ava

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The show claims the purpose of it was to take someone with no experience and teach them that style of dance. It is clear that they are choosing people now who already have experience and it isn't as fun to watch.

By George

Thank God that Kate was finally voted off the show.

As painful as it was to watch her dance (at 80, a stiff Buzz was more natural), it became a toss up as to which look was worse, the incredible snarl she showed the TV audience during the second show, or her brighter version she tried to sell after her family told her to lighten up.

Good luck Kate, I'm guessing your personality will dictate that you'll honestly need the help.

By JUJU

I am surprised she lasted as long as she did. As a matter of fact the winner has already been picked, after all everyone is watching the Pro Derek dance with another "pro". To bad for all the other contestants who are accually trying to learn how to dance.

By Patty

I watch dancing with the stars whenever Kate is on or not. I love watching all of them dance. Kate wasnt my favorite because she cant dance. Besides I hate her alitude. I vote and will continue watching. Kate wasnt the reason I watched anyway.

By macungiee8

DWTS worry about rating because of Kate, heck I am from PA and didn't vote for her. She could not dance, she looked like a good old Amish porker !! She would look a lot better behind a plow horse.

By Terry

now that kate is off the show... I'll start watching it. She needs to go home and be a mom. I understand she needs to provide for her children BUT SO DOES JON. I say get her face off the front of every mag and start acting like a mom...she only has a few good years with her kids being young and then just wait till th teen years hit. She and Jon will get everything they deserve right back in their face.

Wednesday 28 April

By Debbie

Now I WILL watch DWTS because the worst dancer has been voted off...had no interest in Kate BEFORE dancing with the stars and have no interest in Kate now. But I do love Niecy Nash and Eric who are both doing well. And I love the judges! I even love Pamela Anderson, can you believe it?

By Kay

Has DWTS gone away yet? Oh Please take it away! Is you life that boring that you have to watch idiots jump around in clothes that are taped and glued onto the bodies of the females? Get a life, read a book or something. Nothing more boring than watching several couples dancing the same dance over and over for an hour. God Please Save Me!

By lin

I think these executives are giving Kate way too much credit! I think putting her on the show seriously ruined what the DWTS used to be. She is so full of drama and problems that people are sick of her. The show turned into a three ring circus having her aboard thats a fact!

By Beckie

I watch DWTS and love it no matter who the "celebrities" are. I am glad that Kate is gone. When are people going to figure out she has no talent (unless being a whiny "b" is a talent). I agree with you Terry ... she needs to get off tv and be a mom first. Everyone acts like she has no way to support her kids without a tv career. A lot of people support their families without being on tv. As for Jon ... what makes everyone think he's not supporting his kids just because he's not on tv? Kate and other women cry that he's not paying child support. Why should he? I'm guessing she makes more than he does since she is still on tv and they have SHARED custody. Does she pay him child support?

By Kookie

I don't think DWTS has to worry about their ratings. Everyone who is watching for good entertainment is still watching.
The poor, pityme, crybaby, no talent, who tried to tell the experts how to run the show is gone. Now it is a decent show to watch.

So true Kookie, well said!!!!

By phyllis

Ratings shouldn't change. I liked Kate, but we knew she was not the best of dancers. Now it;s probably time for Jake or Pamela to go. There's only one winner. Hope it Derek and his partner. They are in the top running.

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