When Jen Affleck and her professional partner Jan Ravnik took the floor for their final dance on Dancing With The Stars Season 34, they didn’t just perform—they gave everything. The haunting, powerful contemporary routine to Taylor Swift’s "Look What You Made Me Do" on Halloween Night ABC was raw, emotional, and technically bold. But it wasn’t enough. With 55 million viewer votes tallied, the duo received the lowest combined score of judges’ points and public support, sending them home on October 28, 2025. Fans were stunned. Some were furious.
"They Never Said One Nice Thing to Her"
The elimination sparked an immediate backlash on social media. One X user summed up the frustration: "I feel so bad for Jen. Seriously. The judges have never said one nice thing to her. They complimented her mom. They complimented Jan. And maybe I’d care more about what they said if they didn’t lose credibility every time they over-score Whitney." The sentiment echoed across dozens of threads. Jen, a mother of two who entered the competition to prove something to herself and her kids, had become an unexpected symbol of resilience under unfair scrutiny. Jan, a seasoned pro with two prior Mirrorball Trophies, called her "a rockstar" in an interview with Brit.Co. "She gave me more than choreography—she gave me heart," he said.Behind the Scoring System
The show’s scoring system remains a point of contention. As of Week 5, scores were clearly out of 40, with comedian Andy Richter and Emma Slater scoring 24/40 for their salsa—a score Carrie Ann Inaba attributed to "timing and musicality issues," despite noting "some improvement." By Week 7, the judging panel—led by Inaba and joined by returning judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough—had yet to award Jen and Jan a perfect 10. The final score for their Viennese Waltz, listed as 29 by Marca’s Week 9 recap, suggests they were among the higher-scoring couples that week. Yet, when combined with audience votes, their total dropped to the bottom. It’s a brutal reality of DWTS: even a 29/40 can’t save you if the public doesn’t rally.Who’s Still in the Running?
As of Week 7, only five couples remain. Elaine Hendricks and Alan Berson, known for their polished ballroom routines, are steady contenders. Danielle Fishell and Pasha Pashkov, who scored 29 for their jive, bring charm and chemistry. Scott Hoying and Riley Arnold, who survived Week 6 with a 30-point foxtrot, are still dancing strong. And then there’s Andy Richter—still in it, still struggling, but somehow still beloved. His journey, from awkward beginner to crowd favorite, has become one of the season’s most compelling arcs.What’s Next? The Road to the Finale
Week 8, scheduled for November 4, 2025, will bring another themed night—likely another costume-heavy performance. Then comes Week 9, the "20th Birthday Party Night," on November 11, 2025, featuring special guest judge Tom Bergero. The semifinals begin November 18, and the Season 34 finale—where the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will be awarded—is set for November 25, 2025. According to Marca, this season has become "one of the most talked-about editions in recent memory," not just for the dancing, but for the drama, the underdogs, and the growing public outcry over judging consistency.Why This Matters Beyond the Dance Floor
Jen Affleck’s exit isn’t just about a reality show. It’s about how we treat women who step into the spotlight—not as celebrities, but as amateurs trying to grow. She didn’t win, but she inspired. She didn’t get praise from the judges, but she got millions of viewers rooting for her. Her story highlights a deeper issue: when entertainment prioritizes spectacle over sincerity, it risks alienating the very audience it depends on. The fact that her performance went viral for all the wrong reasons—because the judges were silent—says more about the panel than it does about her.Jan Ravnik, for his part, has already hinted at returning next season. "I’m not done with Jen’s spirit," he told reporters. "She taught me something about courage I didn’t know I needed to learn."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Jen Affleck eliminated despite scoring 29 in her final dance?
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik scored 29 out of 40 in their final Viennese Waltz, which was among the higher scores of the night. But DWTS combines judges’ scores (50%) with public votes (50%). With only 55 million votes cast overall, their audience support was the lowest among the remaining couples. Even a strong judge score can’t overcome weak public backing in this format.
Who are the remaining contestants in DWTS Season 34?
As of Week 7, the five remaining couples are Elaine Hendricks and Alan Berson, Scott Hoying and Riley Arnold, Danielle Fishell and Pasha Pashkov, Andy Richter and Emma Slater, and the top-seeded pair, who have yet to be publicly named in reports. All are expected to compete in Week 8 on November 4, 2025, before the semifinals on November 18.
How does the DWTS scoring system work this season?
Each dance is scored out of 40 points by the panel of judges (Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough). These scores make up 50% of the total. The other 50% comes from public voting via app and website. The lowest combined total each week is eliminated. In Week 5, Andy Richter scored 24/40 from judges, but still stayed because his public vote share was higher than Jen and Jan’s.
Why is Tom Bergero appearing as a guest judge in Week 9?
Tom Bergero, a longtime choreographer and former DWTS troupe member, is stepping in as a guest judge for the "20th Birthday Party Night" on November 11, 2025. His inclusion is part of ABC’s effort to celebrate the show’s legacy by bringing back familiar faces. Bergero has worked with past champions and is known for his technical expertise, offering a fresh perspective during the critical semifinal buildup.
Did Jen Affleck ever receive a perfect score on the show?
No, Jen Affleck never received a perfect 10 from any judge during Season 34. Her highest individual score was a 9 from Derek Hough in Week 4 for her samba. While her technical execution improved each week, the judges consistently focused on her lack of polish compared to professional dancers, ignoring the emotional connection she brought to the floor—a disconnect that fans found frustrating.
What’s the significance of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy?
The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy is awarded to the winner of each DWTS season and honors the late, beloved head judge who helped shape the show’s early success. Winning it isn’t just about dancing—it’s about legacy. Past winners include celebrities like Alfonso Ribeiro, Amber Riley, and even athletes like Emmitt Smith. For Jen Affleck, not winning it doesn’t diminish the impact she made; for many viewers, she already won something more valuable: respect.