Tom Bergeron will return to Dancing with the Stars on November 11, 2025, as a guest judge for the show’s 20th anniversary special. The appearance marks his first involvement since departing in July 2020 following a public dispute over casting decisions. He will join judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.[1][2][3][4]
Why Bergeron Left in 2020
The Sean Spicer Controversy
In summer 2019, Bergeron met with producers about Season 28 casting and emphasized the show should provide an escape from election-year divisiveness. Producers agreed. When they subsequently announced Sean Spicer—former Trump White House Press Secretary, Bergeron felt betrayed. He issued a public statement in August 2019 criticizing the decision without naming anyone or invoking partisanship.[5][6][7][8][9][10]
During a 2023 podcast with Cheryl Burke, Bergeron recalled: “At that moment, I knew this is probably my last season, because of that one betrayal.” He offered to sit out Season 28, but producers released him from his contract instead. Co-host Erin Andrews, who joined in 2014, also departed.[11][12][13][14][15][16]
Hosting Leadership Transitions
Bergeron hosted 28 seasons from 2005 through 2019, spanning approximately 15 calendar years. His departure triggered significant changes in broadcast leadership:[17][18]
| Period | Host(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2005–2019 | Bergeron and Andrews (Andrews from 2014) | 28 seasons |
| 2020–2023 | Tyra Banks | 3 seasons |
| 2023–present | Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough | Co-hosts |
Len Goodman, original judge since 2005, retired after Season 31 and died in 2023 from prostate cancer at age 84. Derek Hough replaced him beginning Season 32.[19][20][21][22]
How Reconciliation Happened
Conrad Green’s Pivotal Role
Original showrunner Conrad Green, who created the show in 2005 and departed in 2014, rejoined for Season 34 in 2025. Green reached out to Bergeron with reconciliation proposals. Earlier, Green had invited Bergeron to attend the show’s 500th episode celebration in 2024, but Bergeron declined.[23][24][25][26][27]
During negotiations, Bergeron explained to USA Today: “For the first couple of years after I left, I didn’t refer to the show by its actual name. I called it ‘Footwork with the Famous.'” Green’s return kindled his willingness to reconsider.[28][29][30]
Current Success and the Anniversary Opportunity
Season 34 premiered September 16, 2025, and became the first fall television show since 1991 to increase audience for five consecutive weeks following premiere. Bergeron told Good Morning America on November 5, 2025: “Twenty years for any primetime program is remarkable. For a show that’s 20 years old to also be experiencing a resurgence, you’re more likely to see a zebra playing the piano.”[31][32][33][1]
The Guest Judge Role
What Bergeron Said About His Return
Bergeron expressed enthusiasm across multiple interviews:[2][34][35][1]
- “It feels really good. I’m really looking forward to it.”
- “I truly think it’s a testament to Conrad and the team for getting it back to its essence.”
- “It’s my happy place” when surrounded by people he cares about on live television without second takes.
- He committed to supporting current host Alfonso Ribeiro: “I’ll be respectful and sensitive of what Alfonso has to deal with, because I’ve been there.”[36][37]
The 20th Anniversary Special Format
The November 11 episode, titled “The 20th Birthday Party,” includes:
- First-round performances featuring music from memorable freestyle dances over 20 years[38][39]
- New relay round format with celebrities and returning Mirrorball champions[40]
- Six professional dancers performing an anniversary group number[41]
Bergeron enthusiastically endorsed contestant Andy Richter: “Technique alone is robotic, but when you bring passion, enthusiasm, and charm, that makes up for a lot.”[42][43]
