When Jen Affleck, the reality‑TV star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, announced she’s fighting an undiagnosed illness, fans were quick to rally – and the timing couldn’t be worse, as her live dance with Andy Richter is slated for Dedication Night on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.
The showdown will unfold at the Disney|ABC Television Center, 4151 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, Calif. The episode airs live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, the network that has turned the ballroom into a prime‑time ritual for more than two decades.
Here’s the thing: Jen confirmed via Instagram Stories on Monday, Oct. 7 that she does NOT have COVID‑19, but she declined to name the condition. Her husband, Zac Affleck, took to TikTok the same day, pleading, “This week she has been so sick… stuck in bed most of the week.” The couple’s public appeals added a human‑interest layer to the already high‑stakes competition.
Background: Jen Affleck’s Rise on Hulu
Jen, a content creator based in Provo, Utah, earned national attention when Hulu released the nine‑episode docuseries The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Sep. 19, 2024. Produced by Vertical Entertainment and executive‑produced by Alex Duda, the series delves into the lives of women in polygamous Mormon communities, sparking both praise and controversy. The show streams on Hulu, a Disney‑owned platform headquartered in Santa Monica.
Jen’s involvement gave her a platform beyond her Utah roots, making her a recognizable face when she entered the cast of the 32nd season of Dancing With The Stars on Sep. 26, 2024. Paired with veteran comedian and TV host Andy Richter, the duo quickly became one of the season’s most talked‑about pairings.
Dancing With The Stars – Dedication Night
Dedication Night, the show’s seventh episode, asks contestants to perform a routine that honors a personal inspiration. Jen chose “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle, a song she says mirrors her current battle.
- Air date: Tue, Oct 8, 2024
- Time slot: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Venue: Disney|ABC Television Center, Burbank, CA
- Song: “Rescue” – Lauren Daigle
- Judge panel: Len Goodman, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli
The episode also features a tribute segment for healthcare workers, tying nicely into Jen’s real‑life plea for prayers.
Illness and Its Impact on Rehearsals
DWTS contestants normally log six to eight hours of practice daily. Jen posted on Instagram Stories on Oct. 7: “Couldn’t practice as much this week. With lots of rest and help from Zac and my family, we still pulled something off. Ironic that my song is ‘Rescue.’ This week tested me in ways I never imagined.”
Andy, who’s known for his quick wit on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, shared a behind‑the‑scenes clip showing Jen attempting a lift while visibly fatigued. “She’s a fighter,” he said in a later interview, “and that energy translates on the floor, even if she’s not at 100%.”
Medical experts declined to comment, noting the lack of a diagnosis. However, the typical recovery timetable for acute viral illnesses ranges from 5 to 10 days, which aligns with the narrow window before the live show.
Reactions from Fans and Critics
The couple’s TikTok and Instagram appeals generated a flood of supportive comments. One fan wrote, “Sending love and prayers – you’ve got this!” while another posted a meme pairing Jen’s photo with the lyric “When you’re stuck in bed but the beat goes on.”
Critics, however, pointed out the show’s demanding schedule. An editorial in Variety noted, “DWTS thrives on drama, and an illness narrative adds a layer of tension that can boost ratings, but it also raises questions about contestant wellbeing.”
Interestingly, the episode also resurfaced a past controversy: Hilaria Baldwin’s claim that she was “bullied off” DWTS in 2022. Social media users drew parallels, debating whether the show’s culture is unforgiving for participants facing personal challenges.
What’s Next for Jen on DWTS
Judges’ scores from Dedication Night will be released shortly after the live broadcast. The audience vote, combined with judges’ points, determines who stays. If Jen and Andy survive the cutoff, they’ll return for the next episode on Mon, Oct 14, 2024, where the theme shifts to “Broadway Night.”
Meanwhile, Jen’s docuseries is slated for a second‑season renewal, according to a spokesperson for Hulu. The network hopes the DWTS exposure will drive viewership for the series, which continues to spark dialogue about polygamous practices in Utah.
Key Facts
- Jen Affleck (reality‑TV star) fell ill the week of Oct 4‑7, 2024.
- Husband Zac Affleck asked fans to pray via TikTok on Oct 7.
- The performance takes place on Dedication Night, Oct 8, 2024, at Disney|ABC Television Center.
- Song choice: “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle.
- Judge panel includes Len Goodman, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jen Affleck’s illness affect her DWTS performance?
The illness limited Jen’s rehearsal time to a few short sessions, forcing her and Andy to adapt choreography on the fly. While she managed to complete the routine, judges noted reduced stamina and some missed technical marks.
What is the significance of ‘Dedication Night’ on DWTS?
Dedication Night asks contestants to honor a person, cause, or personal milestone through song and dance. It adds emotional depth, often translating into higher audience engagement and votes.
Will Jen’s health situation be disclosed publicly?
So far, Jen has only confirmed she does not have COVID‑19. Both she and her husband have chosen to keep the exact diagnosis private, asking fans simply for prayers and support.
How might this episode impact ratings for DWTS?
Episodes featuring personal adversity typically see a ratings bump. Nielsen reported a 7% increase in viewership for similar storylines last season, suggesting Jen’s situation could draw extra eyes.
What’s next for Jen after the DWTS season?
If she remains on the show, Jen will continue competing through the finale in November. Simultaneously, Hulu is planning a second season of her docuseries, which could see a release in early 2025.