So you think you can make another dance competition series work? Jennifer Lopez does. And judging by the solid Season 1 Nielsen ratings for NBC’s “World of Dance,” she was right.
Going into its second summer on the Peacock network, TheWrap asked Lopez — who serves as executive producer and judge on the show — what exactly it is that sets “World of Dance” apart from “So You Think You Can Dance?,” “Dancing With the Stars” and the other shows that feature fancy footwork battles.
“We thought about that, and I know there are so many out there,” Lopez told TheWrap earlier this month during NBC’s summer press day. “But what sets ‘World of Dance’ apart is it is telling the stories of the dancers. And I hadn’t seen that done well before. I was a dancer, and I know there is so much more to the story of being a dancer than what has been seen on other shows. And ‘World of Dance’ goes into that. We show that. And we show it in many different ways throughout the season and will go further this year.”
Unlike other dance competition shows, “World of Dance” brought on translators so different stories with international competitors could be told. “We go further than other shows,” Lopez said. “We thought of how to expose our audience to the real life of a dancer. And our series is more than about just competing for the million dollars. It is telling a dancer’s story. It really is.”
The series, which hails from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Nuyorican Productions, gives dancers the platform to showcase their talents and the opportunity to grab for the gold ring — a grand prize of $1 million. Lopez judges the show along with Derek Hough, NE-YO and host/mentor Jenna Dewan.
“World of Dance” Season 2 premieres Tuesday,May 29 at 10/9 c on NBC.
From Jennifer Lopez to Kristin Chenoweth: See TheWrap's NBC Press Day Portraits (Exclusive)
TheWrap captured shots of stars like Jennifer Lopez, Justin Hartley and Kristin Chenoweth at NBC's summer press day earlier this month.
The event promoted returning shows like "World of Dance," "This Is Us," "Trial and Error," "American Ninja Warrior," "The Wall," and "America's Got Talent," as well as series that are coming to an end, like "Rise" and "Shades of Blue."
Scroll on to see actors from the Peacock's biggest shows who were photographed by Irvin Rivera exclusively for TheWrap.
(Jennifer Lopez pictured)
TheWrap
Jennifer Lopez, "World of Dance"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Jennifer Lopez, "World of Dance"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Justin Hartley, "This is Us"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Justin Hartley, "This is Us"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Auli'i Cravalho, "Rise"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Auli'i Cravalho, "Rise"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Damon J. Gillespie, "Rise"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Kristin Chenoweth, "Trial and Error"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Chris Hardwick, "The Wall"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Mel B, "America's Got Talent"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Simon Cowell, "America's Got Talent"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Ray Liotta, "Shades of Blue"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
TheWrap
Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila, "American Ninja Warrior"
Photographed by Irvin Rivera for TheWrap
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TheWrap presents photos of stars from “This Is Us,” “World of Dance” and more at the Peacock’s summer promo event
TheWrap captured shots of stars like Jennifer Lopez, Justin Hartley and Kristin Chenoweth at NBC's summer press day earlier this month.
The event promoted returning shows like "World of Dance," "This Is Us," "Trial and Error," "American Ninja Warrior," "The Wall," and "America's Got Talent," as well as series that are coming to an end, like "Rise" and "Shades of Blue."
Scroll on to see actors from the Peacock's biggest shows who were photographed by Irvin Rivera exclusively for TheWrap.