Five years after getting the ballroom boot, Tom Bergeron is making a comeback on Dancing with the Stars—and fans couldn’t be happier.
The longtime host will return next Tuesday to help the show celebrate its 20th anniversary, stepping back onto the dance floor as a guest judge alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.
Bergeron, who hosted DWTS for 15 years and 28 seasons, told reporters he’s looking forward to the reunion. “I’m anticipating that it’s going to be a wonderfully emotional, nostalgic night,” he said. “It’s so much fun to watch my friends do the work. I don’t have to throw to commercials. I don’t have to worry about the timing.”
For longtime viewers, Bergeron’s return feels like a full-circle moment. He was the face of Dancing with the Stars from its debut in 2005 until 2020, when he and co-host Erin Andrews were unexpectedly let go.
The move shocked fans and sparked plenty of debate online about whether the show could thrive without its beloved emcee.
While the series has continued to evolve—with new hosts, new formats, and a streaming move to Disney+—Bergeron’s easy charm and quick wit have remained unmatched in the eyes of many fans. His return to the judging table, even temporarily, is being seen as both a nostalgic nod to the past and a savvy way to mark two decades of sparkly chaos, celebrity missteps, and viral samba fails.
The show’s 20th anniversary special promises a night filled with familiar faces, emotional performances, and plenty of reminiscing.
And for Bergeron, it sounds like the perfect gig: he gets to enjoy the party without worrying about keeping the show on schedule.
The special airs next Tuesday, so grab your sequins and your score paddles—it’s time to welcome Tom Bergeron back to the ballroom.
