ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” premieres Monday night in its 17th season, featuring celebrities like scientist Bill Nye and Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi from the “Jersey Shore.”

Some St. Thomas students, like junior Mary Kracht, are avid “Dancing With the Stars” fans. Kracht said she is looking forward to the premiere.

“I hyperventilated when I found out the cast,” Kracht said. “I’m super excited.”

One contestant participating this season who is arguably the most anticipated is Nye. Nye’s children’s show “Bill Nye The Science Guy” aired on Public Broadcasting Service in the mid-’90s, and many college students fondly remember the show.

“I definitely thought it was funny when I heard Bill Nye was going to be on it,” junior Luke Miller said.

Kracht said because Bill Nye is from the ‘90s, many students who grew up in that generation will recognize him and gain interest in the show.

Freshman Mary Rose Olsen said she hopes to find some extra time after studying to watch the season premiere.

“I’ll probably be doing homework tonight but maybe have it on in the background,” Olsen said. “I definitely watched the show when Donald Driver was on it, but I’m from Green Bay.”

Senior Jorge Sucar said he’ll watch the show if his roommates do.

“I have to work tonight, otherwise maybe if my roommates are watching it. It’s kind of our thing, we watch TV together,” Sucar said.

Despite Tommies’ excitement for the new season, some said they wouldn’t make great dancers.

“I would probably fall on my face to be honest,” junior Amy Johnson said. “It would make for good television.”

“If I was a star maybe (I’d participate in the show), but I’m not, so I won’t be getting the call anytime soon,” Olsen said.