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'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 17: Fans 'miss the old format, miss the old judges'

The premiere episode of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 17 received varied responses from fans, with some finding the new season to be 'off'

'So You Think You Can Dance' is back with a brand new season, breaking a two-year-long spell of absence brought about by the pandemic. Starting off with a soulful performance by Konnor Kelly, the premiere episode saw six performances in total, with five of them being given the nod to move to the next level. 

Hosted by Cat Deeley, Season 17 of 'So You Think You Can Dance' features Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, JoJo Siwa, and Matthew Morrison as judges. While fans were thrilled to catch the latest episode of the long-running dance reality show, quite a few were quick to point out that the new format of auditioning and the show, in general, weren't all that great. Want to know what they had to say? Read on to find out!

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"I had high expectations for #SYTYCD but I am v disappointed. I miss the old judges (how is JoJo Siwa qualified to be a judge?!), the grungy city auditions, and @dizzyfeet. Thank goodness we at least have @official_tWitch and @catdeeley," a fan tweeted. Another seconded, tweeting "I feel like #SYTYCD is highlighting the worst parts of the show. Too much story not enough dancing. Stop cutting to the judges so much and focus on performers. And bring back Nigel and Mary. Twitch is great. Don’t get the decision on why other judges add to the show."

A fan was also quick to notice that the trademark 'So You Think You Can Dance' sound effect was missing, tweeting "This #SYTYCD premiere just feels lacking. Too much “story telling” and not enough dancing for tryouts. Let’s tell stories when we get to the top 20. And no Nigel/Mary makes this really lack from judging. And where is the “so you think you dance” sound effect @DANCEonFOX???? while another pointed out the absence of the classic mode of auditioning with a tweet that read, "Sad they don’t have the folks walking off the street into the auditorium/theater anymore to audition. Or give ‘em tickets to Hollywood! And I miss Nigel #SYTYCD".

This was followed by a barrage of tweets that directly called out the new pattern that Season 17 is taking and Nigel and Mary sitting out, with tweets such as "Audition. Commercial. Audition. Commercial…and JoJo is too, too much (not in a good way). I miss the old format, @dizzyfeet& @HOTtamaleTRAIN #SYTYCD", "I miss the old audition format. This weird audience shit and then one audition and commercial break is…not it. #soyouthinkyoucandance #SYTYCD", and "Need my #HotTamaleTrain and original judges back on #SYTYCD. Let’s do a panel of Twitch, Mary and Nigel…. This season seems off".

What did you think of the premiere episode of 'So You Think You Can Dance' Season 17? Let us know!