So You Think You Can Dance: Season 5

Season overview

Season five of the American reality television dance competition series So You Think You Can Dance continues the established format of selecting dancers through open auditions held across the United States. These selected participants engage in a rigorous competition designed to showcase their individual talents and professional training. The production features the return of Cat Deeley as the series host. On the judging panel, Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy return as permanent judges to evaluate the performances throughout the season. This installment marks a notable transition for the series, as it is the first season to introduce a new stage to the competition format. Additionally, season five serves as the final season of the program to be filmed at CBS Studios. As the flagship series of the international franchise, the show maintains its focus on high-stakes dance performances, requiring contestants to demonstrate versatility and technical proficiency under the scrutiny of the permanent judges. The season documents the progression of these dancers as they navigate the challenges of the competition, aiming to prove their abilities on a national stage while adhering to the established standards of the long-running series.