Five years after his contentious exit, beloved television personality Tom Bergeron is making an unexpected return to the Dancing With the Stars ballroom. This shocking comeback, set for the show’s highly anticipated 20th-anniversary special on November 11, has sent ripples of excitement through the fan community. Bergeron, who candidly discussed the circumstances of his departure in 2020, will serve as a guest judge, marking a significant moment for the long-running dance competition. His reappearance not only rekindles a connection with the show he hosted for 15 years but also signifies a potential turning point after a period of widely publicized tension.
A Surprise Comeback for the Beloved Host
The news of Tom Bergeron’s Dancing With the Stars return broke on Wednesday morning, following Tuesday’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. Fans were thrilled to hear the familiar voice on Good Morning America, where Bergeron announced his participation. “It feels really good,” he shared, expressing his genuine anticipation for the event. This special anniversary episode on November 11 is poised to be a nostalgic celebration, featuring not only Bergeron but also appearances from several original professional dancers who were integral to the show’s early success. His role as a guest judge offers a fresh perspective, allowing him to experience the show from a different vantage point while still engaging with the vibrant energy of the ballroom.
Bergeron’s enduring popularity stems from his charm, wit, and ability to connect with contestants and viewers alike. His 15-year tenure, spanning nearly 450 episodes since the show’s 2005 debut, solidified his status as the definitive voice of Dancing With the Stars. His return, therefore, isn’t just about a familiar face; it’s about a homecoming that acknowledges his profound legacy and impact on the series.
Unpacking the Controversial 2020 Departure
Tom Bergeron’s exit from Dancing With the Stars in 2020 was anything but quiet. It stemmed from a profound disagreement with producers over casting decisions, specifically the inclusion of then-President Donald Trump’s former White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, in Season 28. Bergeron had consistently advocated for the show to remain a non-political sanctuary, a “wonderful escape from all that divisiveness for two hours a week.” He believed Dancing With the Stars offered viewers a much-needed respite from the political climate, an ethos he felt was directly compromised by Spicer’s casting.
Behind-the-scenes discussions, as recounted by Bergeron on Cheryl Burke’s podcast, revealed his explicit requests to producers to avoid political figures, especially leading up to the 2020 election. He articulated a clear desire: “Just nobody, of any party, don’t go there—just make us the wonderful escape from all that divisiveness for two hours a week.” He was reportedly assured that this principle would be upheld, only to be “blindsided” by the subsequent announcement of Spicer’s participation. This perceived “betrayal” deeply angered Bergeron, leading him to believe that season would inevitably be his last.
The Fallout: Producers, Public Statements, and New Hosts
Bergeron felt that promises made to him had been broken, leading to a significant emotional impact. “It really pissed me off… my temper kicked in,” he shared, feeling a strong urge to expose what he viewed as deceit. While he opted not to name specific individuals or political affiliations, his public statement in 2019 criticized the “curveball” thrown by producers. He acknowledged their right to make casting decisions, stating, “We will have to agree to disagree,” but the sting of what he called “one betrayal” was clear.
His lawyer even cautioned him that his frankness could put “a bullseye on [his] back.” Bergeron recalled offering to “take the season off” in protest, but the producers instead released him from his three-season contract entirely. This effectively ended his long and distinguished run as host. In solidarity, co-host Erin Andrews also departed the show after that season. The subsequent seasons saw significant changes in hosting. Tyra Banks took over for Season 29, followed by Alfonso Ribeiro joining as co-host in Season 31. Most recently, Banks exited, and Julianne Hough stepped in, co-hosting with Ribeiro since Season 32. These shifts underscored a new era for Dancing With the Stars following Bergeron’s high-profile exit.
Dancing With the Stars Today: A Resurgent Success Story
Despite the past controversies and hosting transitions, Dancing With the Stars has experienced a remarkable resurgence. The current season demonstrates significant strength, consistently breaking audience and voting records. For example, a recent “Wicked” themed night garnered an impressive 6.6 million total viewers, marking an 11% increase over the previous week’s Dedication Night. This episode also achieved a strong 1.38 rating among adults 18-49, highlighting its appeal across key demographics.
The show’s consistent growth is particularly notable in the competitive fall television landscape. It holds the distinction of being the first fall show in 34 years—since Nielsen began its electronic base in 1991—to consecutively grow its audience for five weeks following its premiere. Fan engagement is also at an all-time high, with a staggering 53.10 million votes cast during one episode. The momentum continued into Halloween week, drawing an even larger audience of 6.7 million total viewers. This robust performance indicates a thriving viewership that tunes in weekly. Dancing With the Stars currently airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on both ABC and Disney+, with episodes conveniently available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
The Significance of Tom Bergeron’s Return
Tom Bergeron’s return to Dancing With the Stars is more than just a reunion; it’s a symbolic bridging of a past controversy with the show’s present success. For longtime fans, his presence as a guest judge offers a cherished connection to the show’s golden era and a moment of nostalgic celebration. It also suggests a degree of reconciliation, or at least a willingness to move forward, following the very public and acrimonious split.
His return speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of Dancing With the Stars and the power of its 20th-anniversary milestone. It allows Bergeron to celebrate the show’s legacy without fully re-engaging with the behind-the-scenes dynamics that led to his departure. This guest appearance honors his foundational role while allowing the current hosting lineup to continue their successful tenure. Ultimately, it reinforces the idea that some bonds, even after significant rifts, can find new ways to connect and celebrate shared history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tom Bergeron initially leave Dancing With the Stars?
Tom Bergeron’s departure from Dancing With the Stars in 2020, after 15 years as host, stemmed from a dispute over casting decisions. He openly criticized producers for including former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer in Season 28. Bergeron wished for the show to remain a non-political “escape,” and despite his explicit requests to avoid political figures, Spicer was cast. Feeling “betrayed” and “lied to,” Bergeron offered to take the season off but was instead released from his contract. This contentious disagreement ultimately led to his high-profile exit.
When and how can viewers watch Tom Bergeron’s Dancing With the Stars return?
Viewers can watch Tom Bergeron make his highly anticipated return to Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday, November 11, as part of the show’s 20th-anniversary special. He will be appearing as a guest judge for this celebratory episode. The show airs live at 8 p.m. ET on both ABC and Disney+. For those who miss the live broadcast or prefer to stream, the episode will be available on Hulu the following day. This special event promises a nostalgic look back at two decades of ballroom magic.
What is the broader significance of Tom Bergeron’s return to Dancing With the Stars?
Tom Bergeron’s return as a guest judge five years after his controversial exit carries significant weight. It marks a symbolic reconciliation, or at least a mutual willingness to celebrate the show’s enduring legacy, after a publicly difficult split. For fans, it’s a cherished moment of nostalgia and a validation of his foundational role in the show’s success. It allows Bergeron to honor the show’s 20th anniversary and reconnect with its audience without fully resuming his previous role. His presence highlights the show’s ability to transcend past conflicts and unite for significant milestones.
Conclusion
Tom Bergeron’s unexpected return to Dancing With the Stars for its 20th-anniversary special is a testament to his indelible legacy and the show’s enduring appeal. His guest judging role on November 11 promises to be a poignant moment for both longtime viewers and the program itself, bridging a contentious past with a thriving present. As Dancing With the Stars continues to break records and captivate audiences, Bergeron’s comeback serves as a powerful reminder of the show’s rich history and its capacity for unexpected, heartwarming reunions. Fans are eagerly awaiting this momentous occasion, celebrating the return of a true ballroom icon.
References
- www.hollywoodreporter.com
- deadline.com
- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65557096/?ref=nmnwr_1″>www.imdb.com
- variety.com
- www.aninews.in
