Andy Richter, the longtime late-night sidekick known for his deadpan wit alongside Conan O'Brien, has unexpectedly become a fan favorite on Dancing with the Stars season 34. Paired with pro dancer Emma Slater, Richter's entry into the ballroom competition kicked off on September 16, drawing cheers from an audience that appreciates his self-deprecating charm more than flawless footwork. Indeed, his first performance, a foxtrot to a classic tune, earned solid scores but it's the off-stage antics that are keeping viewers hooked.
However, Richter almost didn't make it to the dance floor. In a candid chat on O'Brien's podcast, he admitted nearly turning down the gig, fearing the physical demands and public scrutiny at age 58. "I didn't want to do it," he confessed, yet here he is, pushing through rehearsals that leave him sore but smiling. Moreover, his TikTok videos with Slater—full of bloopers and lighthearted jabs at his own clumsiness—have racked up millions of views, scoring perfect 10s on social media's "For You" page. These clips, posted almost daily, show Richter tripping over steps or cracking jokes mid-routine, turning potential embarrassment into viral gold.
The competition heated up quickly. After the premiere, a double elimination on September 24 sent Corey Feldman and Baron Davis packing, but Richter dodged the axe, thanks in part to enthusiastic fan votes. He scored 24 out of 40 in week two's "One-Hit Wonders Night," landing in a four-way tie for the leaderboard's top spot—not bad for a self-proclaimed novice. Indeed, Richter's take on the show is refreshingly pragmatic; he joined partly for the paycheck, he says, but stays hopeful because DWTS thrives on entertainment over perfection. Fans on Reddit are rallying, urging texts to 21523 to keep him in up to ten votes per episode.
Still, as rehearsals intensify, Richter's admitted protocol slip—sharing rehearsal secrets before NDAs fully kicked in—hints at the risks of his loose-lipped style. Could this underdog's humor carry him further, or will the judges' stricter gaze eventually trip him up? With episodes airing weekly, the season's twists invite us to wonder just how far unpolished charisma can waltz.