Especially in a year as crazy as this one, we can all use an escape via TV, and thankfully, the new season of “Dancing with the Stars” is almost here. The 29th season of the show will premiere on ABC on September 14th.

You might already know that the cast includes some infamous faces like Carole Baskin of “Tiger King” fame, but you may not know how the show is planning to change with the times, and by “change with the times,” we mean the pandemic. 

Obviously, couples are not able to stay 6 feet apart while they are dancing together, so everyone on the show has to live separately in Los Angeles and take COVID-19 tests multiple times a week. 

Pretty much everything about the show itself had to be reimagined as well. Producers will not be in the room while the dancers are rehearsing. There will not be a live audience in the room during performances. Judges will be spaced out a full 8 feet. The large dance numbers won’t be happening either.

Don’t worry. It’s still going to be worth watching. Remember Carole Baskin? 

Watch the video below to get an inside look at how rehearsals are still being filmed, and how the new stage will look.

The show certainly sounds like it is going to be a little different, but we’re glad the producers were able to find ways to make it work even during a pandemic. As the saying goes, the show must go on!

Besides Carole Baskin, other cast members this season include rapper Nelly, actor Jesse Metcalf, Super Bowl champion Vernon Davis, “Bachelorette” star Kaitlyn Bristowe, Backstreet Boy AJ McLean, ice skater Johnny Weir, “Catfish” host Nev Schulman, “Selling Sunset” star Chrishell Stausem, NBA legend Charles Oakley, “The Real” co-host Jeannie Mai, Disney Channel alum Skai Jackson, “One Day at a Time” star Justina Machado, actress Anne Heche and “Cheer” coach Monica Aldama.

Are you a fan of Dancing with the Stars? Do you think the COVID-19 changes to the show will take away any of the excitement?