‘Dancing With the Stars’ Fans ‘Ticked off’ Over Series Move to Disney+ to Make Way for Football
On Friday, Apr. 8, Dancing with the Stars announced it would, after 30 seasons, leave the ABC Network and move to Disney+. While this ended speculation as to whether or not the series would return this Fall, it added another layer of confusion for its steadfast and loyal viewers, many of who admitted they do not subscribe to the paid streaming service. Fans took to Instagram to share their frustration at the season 31 switch. Subsequently, many claimed they were “ticked off” at Dancing with the Stars’ move from ABC which will make way for the network to program NFL Football in its time slot.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ was renewed for two seasons on Disney+
The Hollywood Reporter revealed Dancing with the Stars was renewed for two cycles on Disney+, ensuring it will be on the air until its 32nd season.
“Dancing With the Stars has entertained fans for 16 years on ABC. We are excited to bring this beloved show exclusively to Disney+ as the platform’s first-ever live series,” said Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, as reported by THR.
“The show’s broad appeal and 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.”
Dancing with the Stars is the first live series on Disney+.
NFL Football will subsequently occupy the Monday 8-10 PM slot on the fall schedule that Dancing with the Stars has occupied for the past 15 years.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ fans ‘ticked off’ at the move that makes way for NFL Football
Subsequently, in an Instagram post that celebrated the end of the Dancing with the Stars Live Tour, fans shared disappointment regarding the news.
“Guess after many years watching DWTS; I won’t be watching anymore as I am not subscribing to Disney+ just to watch the show ….thanks for nothing,” wrote one follower.
“I have watched for many years and attended many of their live shows, so I am more than disappointed. My budget won’t allow me to pay ANOTHER streaming service already paying an arm and a leg for cable,” claimed a second fan.
“Moving to Disney+, you’ll be moving without me. Bad move. What a slap in the face to all the loyal fans who have watched. Not everyone can afford the extra monthly fee to stream programs,” penned a third Instagram user.
“Sorry. Since season one, I’ve watched every season, but I AM NOT paying for yet another streaming service. So much for caring about your fans,” expressed a fourth viewer.
The series remained relevant with big moves in the past three seasons
In 2021, the series broke new ground by featuring the first same-sex dance duo, Jojo Siwa and Jenna Johnson.
Iman Shumpert, who became the unexpected winner of season 30, was the show’s first NBA winner.
Season 29 was a watershed moment for the series and caused controversy amongst viewers. Longtime host Tom Bergeron and his co-host Erin Andrews were unceremoniously let go from the series to keep the show fresh.
Tyra Banks replaced the longtime hosts, a move that divided viewers.
In May of this year, the show’s longtime Executive Producer left the show.
The series is currently looking for a replacement for his position. Reportedly, Banks will remain in her role as a DWTS producer.
Dancing with the Stars is currently on hiatus.
