tom bergeron

Tom Bergeron Returns to ‘Dancing With the Stars’: A Nostalgic Homecoming for the Iconic Host

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After five years of silence, the ballroom floor is about to hear a familiar voice again. Tom Bergeron, the beloved host who guided Dancing With the Stars through 19 memorable seasons, is set to make his grand return to the ABC competition series. This highly anticipated comeback coincides with the show’s milestone 20th-anniversary celebration, promising a reunion that blends nostalgia with fresh excitement.

According to exclusive reports from Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and E! News, Bergeron will step back into the spotlight for the show’s upcoming anniversary special. The news has sent waves of excitement through the fanbase, marking a significant moment for a series that has seen considerable changes since his abrupt departure in 2020.

The Big Announcement: Bergeron’s Return to the Ballroom

The buzz surrounding Tom Bergeron’s return is undeniable, and the details emerging from trusted entertainment outlets paint a picture of a celebratory event. It has been five years since Bergeron and his co-host Erin Andrews were let go from the long-running dance competition, a move that shocked both viewers and industry insiders at the time.

Now, Variety has confirmed that Bergeron is officially returning to host Dancing With the Stars for its 20th-anniversary special. This event is poised to be a look back at two decades of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable performances. However, it’s not just a walk down memory lane. The Hollywood Reporter adds that this return is specifically for the anniversary episode, suggesting a curated experience designed to honor the show's rich history.

Adding to the excitement, E! News reports that the 20th-anniversary special will be a two-night event, airing on ABC and Disney+. While the network has yet to announce the full roster of celebrity contestants, the focus for now is squarely on the return of the man who was the face of the franchise for so long.

"I'm thrilled to be back home at Dancing With the Stars for our 20th-anniversary celebration," Bergeron told Variety. "It's going to be a night to remember, and I can't wait to see who will be hitting the dance floor."

This return is more than just a hosting gig; it's a homecoming. For many viewers, Bergeron is Dancing With the Stars. His witty banter, calming presence, and genuine enthusiasm were staples of the show's identity.

A Look Back: The Shocking 2020 Exit

To understand the magnitude of this return, one must look back at his departure. In July 2020, ABC and producers Fremantle announced that Bergeron would not be returning for Season 29. The statement, released at the time, thanked him for "19 seasons of dedicated service." Shortly after, co-host Erin Andrews confirmed she was also out of the job.

The decision was framed as an effort to "freshen up" the show. However, the move was met with immediate backlash from loyal fans who had grown up watching Bergeron guide the competition with poise and humor. His exit coincided with a major shake-up in the judging panel, as long-time judge Len Goodman also departed.

At the time, Bergeron responded with his characteristic grace on social media, stating, "It's been an honor." But the sudden nature of the change left a void. His departure marked the end of an era, and many felt the show lost a bit of its soul in the process. Since then, the show has cycled through hosts, currently featuring Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, who have done an admirable job but represent a different generation of the DWTS legacy.

The Road to Redemption: Why Now?

The decision to bring Bergeron back for the 20th anniversary feels like a course correction—a nod to the show's roots and a direct acknowledgment of his immense contribution. Milestone anniversaries in television are often used as opportunities to bring back key figures, and in this case, it seems like a strategic move to re-engage a core segment of the audience.

The 20th-anniversary special is expected to be a star-studded affair, likely featuring past champions, fan-favorite dancers, and iconic judges. Bringing back the original host signals a deep respect for the show's history. It suggests that producers understand that the legacy of Dancing With the Stars is built on the foundation laid during its first two decades, a foundation that Bergeron was instrumental in building.

This isn't just a sentimental choice; it's a savvy business move. The "buzz" around this topic is massive, and the return of a beloved figure is a guaranteed way to generate ratings and social media chatter for the anniversary special.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the special is being positioned as a "can't-miss" event for fans, with Bergeron's return serving as the centerpiece of the promotional campaign.

What to Expect from the Anniversary Special

While specific details about the anniversary episodes are still emerging, we can make some educated guesses based on the nature of such television events.

• A Trip Down Memory Lane: Expect packages highlighting the show's most memorable moments, from Aaron Carter's "Thriller" to Adam Rippon's unforgettable paso doble.
• Legendary Dances: It's highly likely that past champions and fan favorites will return to the ballroom for one last performance, perhaps even recreating their most iconic routines.
• The Judges' Panel: With Len Goodman having sadly passed away in 2023, the judging panel for the anniversary special will be of particular interest. Will former judges like Bruno Tonioli or Carrie Ann Inaba be joined by special guests?
• The Celebrities: The casting for an anniversary season is always a fun puzzle. Will we see past winners like Amber Riley or Drew Lachey? Or perhaps stars who made a huge impression but didn't take home the Mirrorball Trophy, like Ginger Zee or James Hinchcliffe?

The focus will undoubtedly be on celebration. It's a chance for the show to honor its past while looking toward the future.

The Broader Impact on the DWTS Universe

Bergeron's return has implications beyond just one special. It speaks to the power of host-audience connection in the reality TV landscape. For 19 seasons, Tom Bergeron was the steady hand, the calm in the storm of sequins and scores. He was the audience surrogate, often providing the witty commentary we were all thinking.

His absence highlighted how much a host can define a show's tone. While the current hosts are doing a great job, the show's energy has shifted. Bergeron's return, even for a limited run, could influence the long-term direction of the series. It reminds everyone of the classic, warm, and family-friendly vibe that made the show a juggernaut in the first place.

For the industry, this is a case study in fan loyalty and the importance of legacy. In an era of reboots and revivals, tapping into audience nostalgia is a proven strategy. The overwhelmingly positive reaction to the news of Bergeron's return is a testament to that.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember

The countdown to the Dancing With the Stars 20th-anniversary special has officially begun, and the anticipation is palpable. Tom Bergeron's return is the story everyone is talking about, a full-circle moment that promises to deliver on nostalgia, celebration, and the pure joy of dance.

As the ballroom doors reopen to welcome back its most iconic host, fans can rest assured that for one special night, everything will feel a little more familiar. The glitter, the music, the suspense, and most importantly, the warm, reassuring voice of Tom Bergeron guiding us through it all. It’s not just a return; it’s a reminder of what made Dancing With the Stars a cultural phenomenon in the first place.