Last year, Disney decided to move the popular reality television show “Dancing With the Stars” to its streaming service, Disney+, becoming the free live series to debut.
After airing just one season on Disney+, the reality television show is returning to ABC.
“Dancing With the Stars” Returns To ABC
According to reports, “Dancing With the Stars” will air live on ABC once again and stream on Disney+. It is unclear how this will work, but Disney+ confirmed an ad version of its service, so “Dancing With the Stars” will likely be available via the ad version.
Episodes will also be available to stream on Hulu the following day. This news comes as Hollywood writers strike, halting television and film production.
Although a cast has not yet been announced for the 32nd season, fans can look forward to having a new co-host as Julianne Hough has been tapped to take over Tyra Banks’ spot. Hough will join “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” actor Alfonso Ribero as co-host of the show, while her brother, Derek Hough, will return to the judge’s table alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
Len Goodman announced his retirement at the end of season 31 and unfortunately passed away last month at 78.
Julianne Hough Is Ready To Be Back In The Ballroom
Shortly after the news broke, Julianne Hough spoke to Variety, expressing her excitement to return to the ballroom.
“It is such an honor to rejoin ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as co-host. The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of,” Hough said. “The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years. I am so excited to reunite with Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, Derek, the unbelievably talented pros, and the amazing cast on the dance floor.”
The “Grease” actress and singer first appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” as a pro dancer in 2007. The 34-year-old took home the Mirror Ball trophy twice — once in season four with her partner Apolo Anton Ohno and in season five alongside Hélio Castroneves.
When speaking to her return to the ballroom, the soon-to-be co-host said, “The energy is magnetic every time you step foot into the ballroom, and I can’t wait to feel it again — and of course to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans — for another exciting season.”
Hough has experience aside from being a professional dancer on the show as she was a judge from 2014-2017. She also returned as a guest judge on the show in 2021. She also has experience hosting television shows. For the past few years, she and her brother Derek Hough have hosted the “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” special.
“Dancing With the Stars” will air on ABC and Disney+ later this year, with episodes streaming on Hulu the following day. At this time, the celebrity cast has yet to be announced. Last year, social media star Charli D’Amelio and her partner Mark Ballas, who later announced his retirement, won the Mirror Ball trophy.
