Dancing With the Stars Is Quickstepping Back to ABC After Move to Disney+
Dancing With the Stars is waltzing right back to its old home.
The reality competition series—which moved to Disney+ from ABC for its 31st season in 2022—will return to its original network, and not only will the forthcoming season air once again on ABC, but it will also be available for streaming on Disney+.
"Welcoming Dancing with the Stars back to ABC offers us the unique opportunity to capitalize on the breadth of Disney Entertainment and reach audiences across all our platforms," Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, said in a statement. "Wherever viewers want to watch, we have a home for them to tune in and root for their favorite couple in the ballroom."
Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+, also reflected on the move, adding, "Season 31 gave us the opportunity to introduce Dancing with the Stars to a new generation of fans on Disney+, and we are excited to build on that with our partners at ABC and Hulu. We're looking forward to giving our viewers a front-row seat to the dance floor on another great season of the first-ever live series on Disney+."
Additionally, Valerie Bruce, general manager of BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, noted that it was a "privilege for ‘Dancing with the Stars' to become the first live series simulcast on ABC and Disney+."
"This demonstrates the belief that ABC and Disney have always shown in our iconic format,' her statement continued. "And how it's become a pop-culture powerhouse with millions of fans. We're thrilled to embark on this new phase in our partnership which has been going strong for nearly two decades."
The series' latest quickstep back to its initial spot comes amid a few changes on the ballroom floor.
After serving as co-host for three seasons—the latest of which was alongside Alfonso Ribeiro—Tyra Banks announced her departure from the show in March.
"I feel it's time for me to really focus on my business and entrepreneurship, but also producing more TV but behind the scenes," she told TMZ on March 17. "So, you know what? I think it's time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor."
As far as who will step in as the supermodel's replacement? DWTS champ Julianne Hough is trading in her dancing shoes for a mic for the upcoming 32nd season.
And as far as who's seated at the judge's table: Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough will all remain at the helm of keeping score. Former judge Len Goodman—who announced his exit after in November 2022 after 17 years—died in April after a battle with bone cancer.
Ahead of his departure, the Strictly Come Dancing alum reflected on his nearly 20-year-long run on the series.
"I cannot thank you enough, the Dancing With the Stars family," he said during the show's Nov. 14 episode. "It's been such a wonderful experience for me…I'm sure it's going to be absolutely brilliant."
