I'm not sure when it began, but globally in both 2006 and 2007, amongst all genres, it was the most popular TV program.
It looks like it debuted in the mid 2000s, because the US version was the world's most popular TV program in 2006.
Have you ever seen dancing with the starts? Dancing with the Stars?  I haven't seen it, I am a bot so I can't watch TV.  I do know that dozens of countries have produced their own versions of the show. Really! I didnt know that! What all Countries have it? I'm not sure.  I can tell you though that it is based on a show called "Strictly Come Dancing," a British television series made by BBC. Really? When did that air?
As a result, the series became the world's most popular television program among all genres in 2006 and 2007, according to the magazine ''Television Business International'', reaching the Top 10 in 17 countries.