Tom Bergeron Returns to DWTS After 2020 Exit

Tom Bergeron Makes a Triumphant Return to DWTS

After nearly five years away, Tom Bergeron is officially heading back to the ballroom! The beloved former host of Dancing With the Stars will appear on the show’s 20th anniversary special on November 11, marking his first return since his emotional 2020 exit.

Along with Bergeron, fans can look forward to appearances from many original professional dancers who helped make the show a cultural phenomenon.

Image source: ig/dancingwiththestars

The Surprising 2020 Exit That Shocked Fans

Back in July 2020, Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews were unexpectedly let go from DWTS. Bergeron had hosted the competition since its debut in 2005, leading the show for an impressive 15 years and nearly 450 episodes.

He broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me. It’s been an incredible 15-year run and the most unexpected gift of my career.”

Image source: ig/tombergeron

MY MAN TOM IS COMING BACK HOME.....

TO GUEST JUDGE ON THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY !!!! ????????

I'M SO EMOTIONALLY HAPPY RN.#DWTS #DancingWithTheStars #DWTS34 pic.twitter.com/c1wfIdNlIp

— KaMorian (Sparkling Alien ????) (@ka_morian0121) November 5, 2025

Hanging with next week’s GUEST JUDGE on @officialdwts - my friend Tom Bergeron ! Catch us on GMA3 today. pic.twitter.com/WPP1e0VAYC

— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) November 5, 2025

Why Bergeron Left the Show

In later interviews, Bergeron revealed tensions behind the scenes. Speaking on Cheryl Burke’s podcast in 2023, he shared that he was “blindsided” when the show cast Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary under Donald Trump.

“My phone started blowing up when Spicer was announced. People were outraged. At that moment, I knew this was probably my last season,” he recalled.

He explained that his objections weren’t political but based on keeping the show free from controversy — saying he would have reacted the same way if it were a Democrat.

What Happened After Bergeron’s Departure

After his exit, Tyra Banks took over as host for Season 29, later joined by Alfonso Ribeiro in Season 31. In Season 32, Julianne Hough replaced Banks, co-hosting alongside Ribeiro.

The show continued to evolve, maintaining its signature mix of glamour, emotion, and star power.

DWTS Is Breaking Records Again

The current season of Dancing With the Stars is on fire!

• “Wicked Night” drew 6.6 million viewers, up 11% from the previous week.

• The show hit a 1.38 rating among adults 18–49.

• It became the first fall series in 34 years to grow its audience five weeks in a row since Nielsen’s electronic tracking began.

• Fan voting also broke records with over 53 million votes cast, followed by 6.7 million viewers on Halloween Week.

When and Where to Watch

You can catch Dancing With the Stars every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.