Tom Bergeron Returns as Guest Judge for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Special

Tom Bergeron will make a highly anticipated return to the ballroom as a guest judge for the 20th anniversary special of Dancing With the Stars on November 11, 2023. This marks his first appearance on the popular reality dance competition since his departure as host in 2020. Bergeron hosted the series for an impressive 28 seasons, beginning with its launch in 2005. Reflecting on his return, he described the experience as “a bit surreal,” expressing enthusiasm for being back in an environment where he feels at home.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Bergeron stated. “I’ll be respectful and sensitive of what Alfonso has to deal with, ’cause I’ve been there. But I’m just looking forward to being in an environment surrounded by people I really care about on live television, where there’s no second take. It’s my happy place.”

Despite his excitement for the special, Bergeron previously indicated that he would not have returned if the previous management team was still in charge. His departure in 2020 was rooted in significant tensions with producers regarding the show’s direction, particularly the controversial casting of former White House press secretary Sean Spicer for season 28.

In a 2023 podcast appearance, Bergeron revealed that he had discussed keeping politics out of the show with producers in 2019, particularly with the approaching 2020 election. When Spicer’s participation was confirmed, he recalled feeling “furious,” as it contradicted their earlier commitment. Following a dispute with the production team, Bergeron offered to sit out the season. Instead, he was released from his contract entirely.

The fallout from his exit was swift. Shortly after the announcement of the season 29 cast, ABC and BBC Studios confirmed that Bergeron and his co-host Erin Andrews would not return, thanking him for his “trademark wit and charm that helped make this show a success” as they aimed for a “new creative direction.”

Reflecting on his final season, Bergeron remarked in a 2021 podcast that it “wasn’t a pleasant experience,” stating, “The show that I left was not the show that I loved.” Following his departure, Tyra Banks took over hosting duties in 2020, with the current duo of Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough assuming the role in 2023.

Bergeron also noted that a key factor in his return was the initiative taken by executive producer Conrad Green, who first joined the show in its inaugural season and returned for its 33rd season. Green extended an olive branch, facilitating Bergeron’s participation in the anniversary celebration.

Fans of the show can catch the special episode of Dancing With the Stars airing on Tuesdays at 20:00 ET on both ABC and Disney+. New episodes will also be available for streaming the following day on Hulu and Disney+.