Is Dancing with the Stars Coming Back to ABC?
by Sooryaprakash D | Updated Jul 18, 2023
Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars is an American dance competition television series that premiered on ABC on June 1, 2005. It is the American version of the British show 'Strictly Come Dancing' and part of the global franchise of Dancing with the Stars adaptations.
The format of the show involves pairing celebrities with professional dancers, who perform various dances and compete for judges' scores and audience votes. Each week, the couple with the lowest combined total of judges' points and audience votes is eliminated, leading to the crowning of a champion dance pair at the end of the season.
The show has had multiple hosts over the years, including Tom Bergeron, Lisa Canning, Samantha Harris, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Erin Andrews, Tyra Banks, and Alfonso Ribeiro. In an unexpected move, the show shifted from ABC to Disney+ starting with its 31st season, marking a transition to a streaming platform.
However, it was later announced that for the upcoming 32nd season, Dancing with the Stars will be streaming live on both ABC and Disney+ simultaneously, providing viewers the option to watch the show on either platform. This decision aims to expand the show's reach and offer a flexible viewing experience to its dedicated fan base.
Is Dancing with the Stars Coming Back to ABC?
Yes, Dancing with the Stars is coming back to ABC for its 32nd season. After a one-season stint on Disney+, the popular dancing competition will return to its original network, ABC.
The decision was confirmed by ABC, stating that the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars will air simultaneously on both ABC and Disney+. This move allows ABC to capitalize on the diverse range of Disney Entertainment and reach audiences across all platforms.
Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich expressed excitement about welcoming Dancing with the Stars back to ABC, emphasizing the opportunity to leverage the various Disney platforms. He stated that viewers can watch the show wherever they prefer, as there will be a home for them to tune in and root for their favorite couples in the ballroom.
This shift marks a significant moment for Dancing with the Stars as it becomes the first live series to be simulcast on both ABC and Disney+. The General Manager of BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, Valerie Bruce, described it as a privilege for the show to achieve this milestone.
She acknowledged the unwavering belief that ABC and Disney have shown in the iconic format of 'Dancing with the Stars,' which has garnered a massive fan base and become a pop-culture powerhouse over the years. The partnership between ABC and Disney has been strong for almost two decades, and this new phase further strengthens their collaboration.
The show's move to Disney+ for its 31st season provided an opportunity to introduce Dancing with the Stars to a new generation of fans. Disney+ President Alisa Bowen expressed excitement about building on that momentum in collaboration with ABC and Hulu for the upcoming season.
Disney+ aims to give its viewers a front-row seat to the dance floor, offering a unique viewing experience for this first-ever live series on the platform. It's important to note that the celebrity contestants and professional dancers for the 32nd season of Dancing with the Stars have not been announced yet.
Fans will have to stay tuned for updates regarding the cast of the upcoming season. Dancing with the Stars will make its return to ABC for the 32nd season after a season on Disney+.
The show will air simultaneously on ABC and Disney+, allowing a broader reach and giving viewers the flexibility to watch on their preferred platform. The partnership between ABC and Disney continues to thrive, and both parties are excited about the future of the show.
Dancing with the Stars Host
The hosting lineup of Dancing with the Stars has seen several changes throughout its run. Tom Bergeron, who was also the host of 'America's Funniest Home Videos' on ABC, served as the show's host for the first 28 seasons since its premiere in 2005.
He was initially joined by Lisa Canning in the debut season, followed by Samantha Harris for seasons 2 to 9 and Brooke Burke-Charvet for seasons 10 to 17. Erin Andrews took over the co-hosting duties starting from season 18. There were also instances where temporary replacements stepped in, such as Drew Lachey covering for Harris during season 5 and Leah Remini filling in for Andrews during select weeks in seasons 19 and 21.
However, there were significant changes in the hosting lineup in recent years. In July 2020, Tom Bergeron announced his departure from the show, which was followed by the official announcement of Erin Andrews leaving as well.
The next day, Tyra Banks, a renowned model, and host, was revealed as the new host and executive producer for the twenty-ninth season. For the thirty-first season, Alfonso Ribeiro joined Banks as a co-host.
However, in March 2023, it was announced that Banks would be leaving the show before the thirty-second season. Julianne Hough, a former professional dancer on the show, was subsequently announced as the new co-host for season 32, with Alfonso Ribeiro transitioning to become the main host.
Dancing with the Stars Judging Panel
The judging panel of Dancing with the Stars has seen various judges throughout its seasons. The regular panel includes Len Goodman as the head judge, along with Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
However, Goodman was absent for extended periods in several seasons. Julianne Hough, a former professional dancing partner on the show, joined as a full-time judge for three seasons (19-21) after previously serving as a guest judge.
Hough did not return for season 22 but made a comeback as a full-time judge for seasons 23 and 24. However, she did not continue on the show beyond that. In season 29, due to travel restrictions related to COVID-19, Derek Hough, Julianne's brother, temporarily replaced Len Goodman as the head judge, while Goodman contributed his expertise through pre-recorded clips from England.
The show has also featured various guest judges, often from the world of dance, including former contestants, professional dancers, and celebrities associated with the dance industry.
Notable guest judges have included Paula Abdul, Donnie Burns, Nick Carter, Cher, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Michael Flatley, Kevin Hart, Jessie J, Rashad Jennings, Baz Luhrmann, Ricky Martin, Idina Menzel, Abby Lee Miller, Mandy Moore, Olivia Newton-John, Kenny Ortega, Donny Osmond, Pitbull, Redfoo, Alfonso Ribeiro, Robin Roberts, David Ross, Shania Twain, Leah Remini, and Zendaya.
In a memorable episode of Season 31, Michael Bublé served as both a performer and a bonus judge, making it the first time the panel featured five judges simultaneously.
While Len Goodman announced his retirement from the show after Season 31, the remaining members of the panel, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Julianne Hough, are set to return for Season 32, excluding Goodman.
Is Dancing with the Stars Coming Back to ABC? - FAQs
Yes, 'Dancing with the Stars' is returning to ABC for its 32nd season after a one-season stint on Disney+.
'Dancing with the Stars' originally aired on ABC.
'Dancing with the Stars' premiered on June 1, 2005.
Yes, season 32 of 'Dancing with the Stars' will be streamed live on both ABC and Disney+ simultaneously.
Alfonso Ribeiro will serve as the main host, and Julianne Hough will join as a new co-host for season 32.