A big change. Cheryl Burke, Gleb Savchenko and more Dancing With the Stars pros and judges are speaking out after news broke that the competition show will no longer air on ABC.
Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution chairman Kareem Daniel announced on Friday, April 8, that the reality series will air on Disney+ for seasons 31 and 32.
“The show’s broad appeal, as well as the overwhelming popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights, make Disney+ the perfect home for Dancing with the Stars while continuing to expand our demographic reach,” Daniel said in a statement.
Walt Disney Chairman of Entertainment Dana Walden added: “Dancing with the Stars has been a beloved staple on ABC for 30 seasons and brought so much joy to millions of viewers. As we’re significantly expanding our unscripted slate at ABC, this is a great opportunity to introduce this show to a whole new generation of fans on Disney+.”
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was quick to celebrate the move.
“Did you hear the news? Dancing With the Stars, after 30 seasons on ABC, is moving to Disney+. We’re still gonna be live,” she explained via Instagram Stories. “We’re gonna be the first live streaming competition show in the United States and we’re gonna be on Disney+ and that’s really exciting. Dancing With the Stars has always been a little bit of a trailblazer. Not a little bit, but you know, who knew? Ballroom dancing, way back when?”
Inaba, 54, added that it’s “been such an honor to be a part of this incredible team,” noting, “And it’s so exciting to see it evolve into next steps and the future, so if you don’t have your subscription for Disney+, you might wanna get one because we’re gonna be live! Yep!”
Along with Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, Inaba has been a judge on DWTS since the 2005 premiere. Derek Hough and Julianne Hough have both stepped in as the fourth judge over the years, with Derek, 36, serving at the judges’ table for season 30, which aired in fall 2021.
ABC has yet to announce the cast or confirm the judges and host for season 31. Tyra Banks has hosted the last two seasons of the reality show, replacing Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.
Scroll through for more reactions to the move:
The Peloton instructor, who placed third on season 30, was surprised by the reality competition's move to streaming. "I don't know how it's going play out but it's going to be interesting," Rigsby told Us exclusively in June 2022. "I always feel like the fanbase is specific and I don't know if there will people that will stream [it], but hey, Disney executives know more than I [do]." On the plus side, Rigsby noted, the move will make it easier for fans to "find the show" and watch it on their own time. "It's not just like, 'You have to show up at 8 and watch it,'" he said. "I'm also interested to see how they do voting [and] how it's going to work." Jeremy Smith/imageSPACE/Shutterstock
The New Zealand native wrote via Instagram Story in June 2022 that she thought the show’s Disney+ move was a “great idea.” AFF-USA/Shutterstock
"It’s an exciting new chapter for the show and for the streaming world in general. Now the west coast can vote in real-time. I’m excited for the show possibilities over at Disney+ and am daydreaming about how we’re going to pull of quick changes and set changes with no commercial breaks!” the dancer told Us. “I think it’s great that we’ll have an opportunity for potential new fans to discover us and know that this change will give our loyal followers from over the last 30 seasons something to look forward to as well. Just imagine what Disney Night on DWTS will look like now?!" Casey Flanigan/imageSPACE/Shutterstock
"When I heard the news, I was really excited,” the pro told Us. “It's always fun doing the Disney episodes and now we'll be on Disney+ It was great to hear that the show has already been renewed for two seasons! I can't wait for the next season to start." Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
”I am sooo excited for DWTS to move to Disney+ and be the first live show on Disney+,” Motsepe said. “DWTS is always breaking barriers and I am so proud the show is going on another journey!" MediaPunch/Shutterstock
“Just wanted to pop in and share the exciting news … this is very exciting. Disney Plus, here we come. Let’s go!!!” Inaba added via Instagram Stories. In June 2022, the In Living Color alum hinted that few things might change when the show returns — but nothing too major. "It's a little bit different," she told E! News. "I think the difference is maybe live voting across the country. Maybe there's gonna be some things that will come along with the scripts that I think people are gonna love. People don't always like change, but I think they'll adapt." Ryan Miller/Shutterstock
“I actually find it very exciting,” the Russia native, who got engaged to Nikki Bella in November 2019, exclusively told Us at the DIRECTV Space at Neon Carnival in April 2022. “What also is really exciting is we're actually gonna be one of the first big shows … to go live on a stream platform. So, it's great to be part of Disney family. It's always a good time. I think it's very exciting.” Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Neon Carnival for DIRECTV
The judge reposted the news via Instagram, adding, “DWTS has always been a trail blazer 🔥💪🏼 NEW CHAPTER.” In May 2022, Hough offered a glimpse at his initial reaction. "At first, I was like, 'What? What does that mean?' But within 10 seconds, I was very, very excited about it. I think that's where a lot of things are moving toward," he told Entertainment Tonight. "It's more opportunity for more performances, more dances, more creativity so I'm excited about that too." The Utah native also confirmed that he would be returning. While he didn't name names, he added, "I'm sure a lot of familiar faces will be there, of course." Broadimage/Shutterstock
The former DWTS cohost, who was let go from the show alongside Tom Bergeron in 2020, shared her thoughts on the series’ new home in May 2022. "I obviously saw it from all the dancers posting it, so I just hope that they're doing OK and they're excited about it," Andrews told Entertainment Tonight at the time. "That's where my love and my dedication lies towards, is those guys. So, as long as all of them are good." Christopher Smith/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
"I'm so excited," Johnson exclusively told Us of the move in June 2022. "I think change is scary in general, but I think it also ignites a new spark and [brings] this sort of refreshing energy. ... I'm just excited to see where the show goes. I think it's amazing that we're gonna be the first live show to be on their platform." CraSH/ImageSPACE/Shutterstock
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