Tom Bergeron, the beloved former host of Dancing With the Stars, made a headline-grabbing return to the ballroom this week—and he didn’t leave quietly. During his guest judge appearance on the show’s 20th anniversary episode, Bergeron used his final moments on camera to deliver a direct message to ABC: it’s time to bring back the classic results show format.
Bergeron’s Triumphant Return—and a Public Plea
Fans were stunned in 2020 when Bergeron was abruptly fired from
DWTS, ending his long-running tenure as the face of the franchise. His return on November 11, 2025, marked his first time back in the ballroom since that dramatic exit. But instead of simply basking in nostalgia, Bergeron seized the spotlight to advocate for a change many longtime viewers have been craving.
“This show is setting ratings records again. So, next season, bring back the results show. Let the whole country vote,” Bergeron declared, addressing ABC directly as the live broadcast wrapped up.
Why the Results Show Matters
For years,
DWTS followed a two-night format: performances aired on one night, followed by a separate results episode where the lowest-scoring couple was eliminated. This structure allowed for a broader voting window, giving fans across all time zones a fair shot at supporting their favorites.
Bergeron has long lamented the loss of this format. In a recent interview with
The Hollywood Reporter, he explained,
“I always mourn the loss of that Tuesday show. I thought it made the voting more fair across the country because the West Coast can’t vote now unless they’re watching on… wherever the hell you’d watch it streamed live.”Behind Bergeron’s Return
Bergeron’s comeback wasn’t just about nostalgia. He revealed that the return of original showrunner Conrad Green—who left after season 27 and came back for season 31—was a key factor in his decision to rejoin the show, even temporarily.
“I couldn’t be happier that the people who are running the show now are running the show. But to be honest, the 20th anniversary in other people’s hands would not have lured me back,” Bergeron told
The Hollywood Reporter.
What This Means for DWTS Fans
Bergeron’s on-air plea has reignited debate among fans and industry insiders about the show’s format. With
DWTS reportedly setting ratings records again, the timing of his message couldn’t be more strategic. ABC has yet to respond publicly, but Bergeron’s words have already sparked a wave of support on social media, with many viewers echoing his call for a return to the two-night format.
The Takeaway
Tom Bergeron’s surprise return to
Dancing With the Stars wasn’t just a walk down memory lane—it was a passionate push for change. Whether ABC will heed his advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Bergeron’s voice still carries serious weight in the ballroom.
Sources
1. DWTS' Tom Bergeron Issues Message to ABC in Final Guest Judge ...
