Andy Richter, the longtime sidekick from Conan O'Brien's shows, has surprised many by diving into the glitzy world of Dancing with the Stars this season. Paired with pro dancer Emma Slater, Richter's debut on the ABC competition back in mid-September kicked off what was supposed to be a reluctant adventure. He almost backed out entirely, admitting later that he nearly told his team to turn it down quietly. But there he was, shuffling through his first routine, earning middling scores but plenty of laughs from the audience.
Now, as season 34 heats up, Richter's not just surviving—he's thriving in unexpected ways. His TikTok videos with Slater, posted regularly from rehearsals, have gone viral, racking up views with their deadpan humor and behind-the-scenes mishaps. One clip shows him fumbling a lift, only to crack a joke that leaves Slater in stitches, and fans can't get enough. It's a far cry from the polished performances of frontrunners like those tied for the top after the one-hit wonders episode. That night saw Corey Feldman and Baron Davis sent packing in a double elimination, while Richter scraped by, buoyed by viewer votes.
Indeed, Richter himself seems cautiously optimistic. On a recent podcast reunion with O'Brien, he confessed he's in it partly for the paycheck—refreshing honesty in a sea of inspirational backstories—but also because he believes the show's real currency is entertainment, not flawless footwork. And he's right; texts to vote for him flooded in last week, pushing him up the leaderboard despite scores hovering around the low 20s out of 50. However, breaking protocol by spilling details early could've gotten him fired, he joked, though it only endeared him more to viewers.
Moreover, these lighthearted moments highlight a broader tension in the competition. While Richter's comedy keeps him afloat, the judges' critiques grow sharper each week, demanding more than quips. As rehearsals intensify for upcoming themes, his partnership with Slater—now a social media sensation—might just carry him further. But with only 12 couples left after that brutal cut, sustainability is the question.
One wonders how long charm alone can tango in the spotlight.