‘Dancing with the Stars’ Shocker: Series Moves to Disney+ This Fall
Dancing with the Stars has been a juggernaut for ABC since the series debuted in June 2005 as a mid-summer replacement. The combination of celebrities, glittering costumes, and overcoming adversity has been a win for the network for the past 30 seasons. With season 31 approaching this fall, and a move to streaming platform Disney+, fans have wondered if there will be any other significant changes in store. Here’s what we know so far.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ will move to Disney+ in September
Dancing with the Stars will move to Disney+ this fall.
The move comes with a two-season renewal that will take DWTS through its 32nd season said The Hollywood Reporter.
The switch from network television to streaming was prompted by ABC’s plans to simulcast several games on ESPN’s Monday Night Football this fall.
The series will become the first live series streamed on Disney+.
“Dancing with the Stars has entertained fans for 16 years on ABC, and 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 to The Hollywood Reporter.
“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.”
Which pros will return, which will leave?
There have been several mainstay pros on the series. These include Sasha Farber, Emma Slater, Keo Motsepe, Britt Stewart, current mirrorball winner Daniella Karagach and her husband Pasha Pashkov, Jenna Johnson, Alan Bersten, Artem Chigvinstev, Lindsay Arnold, and Witney Carson.
However, it is still unknown if any or all will return for season 31.
Subsequently, some pros have clarified that season 30 may be their last in the ballroom.
These include Val Chmerkovskiy, who told Entertainment Tonight in Nov. 2021 that he was always clear about his passion for DWTS.
“I’ve always been very clear about coming back on the show. I love the show and being on it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Is this my last season?” he said. “Probably. Probably. I have no regrets about my tenure on the show.”
Chmerkovskiy danced with Olivia Jade in 2021.
Cheryl Burke, who began her tenure on the series in season 2, may sit out.
In an interview with US Weekly, when asked if she’s returning to the show for season 31, Burke replied, “We’ll see, I don’t know. There’s no guarantee. Ask me in six months from now.”
Sharna Burgess, paired with her real-life partner Brian Austin Green in season 30 and is currently pregnant with her first child, will likely not return for this season.
Will there be a new host for Dancing with the Stars season 31?
Fans have not grown accustomed to Tyra Banks, even though she has hosted Dancing with the Stars for three seasons.
Production is currently in flux since producer Andrew Llinares exited the series in March of this year.
Llinares chose to replace Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews with Banks ahead of season 29. He also produced the show during the pandemic, reported Deadline.
Without Llinares backing Banks, there is the possibility of a new host coming on board.
Two DWTS veterans have expressed interest in hosting.
Kaitlyn Bristowe, who won season 29, has rallied for the job. So has former mirrorball-winning pro-Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
He told Us Weekly in July 2021, “I’d love to host. I’d fill any shoes on that show. I would love an opportunity to step into any shoes, either on the production side or in front of the camera.”
These celebs want to compete in ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 31
Robert Irwin, brother of season 21 winner Bindi Irwin, has expressed interest in competing in Dancing with the Stars.
“I’d give it go,” he said to Entertainment Tonight and hoped his sister would give him some tips.
Professional wrestler Britt Baker admitted to Barstool Sports that she would like to try to compete as well.
Dancing with the Stars is currently on hiatus.
