Dancing with the Stars is leaving broadcast television and moving from ABC to a new home on Disney+, the streaming service operated by ABC's Walt Disney corporate parent company.
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Disney+ has ordered two new seasons, Season 31 and Season 32, of the reality dancing competition. While Disney+ announced Dancing with the Stars' 31st season will air on the streaming service in Fall 2022, it did not reveal the scheduling of the 32nd season.
Dancing with the Stars' 31st season will be the first live series to debut on Disney+.
"Dancing with the Stars has entertained fans for 16 years on ABC, and we are excited to bring this beloved show exclusively to Disney+ as the platform's first-ever live series," Disney Media executive Kareem Daniel said in a statement.
"The show's broad appeal, as well as the overwhelming popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights, make Disney+ the perfect home for Dancing with the Stars while continuing to expand our demographic reach."
Dancing with the Stars premiered in 2005 on ABC, but Walt Disney Television executive Dana Walden said the popular show leaving its original network supports ABC's initiative to "significantly" expand its unscripted slate.
"This is a great opportunity to introduce this show to a whole new generation of fans on Disney+," Dana explained.
"We're so grateful to our incredible partners at BBC Studios and look forward to continuing our relationship with them on this spectacular series, which will continue to be overseen by Rob Mills and the talented Walt Disney Television Alternative team."
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And BBC Studios executive Valerie Bruce noted how Dancing with the Stars "will now set" a record.
"The fact that our iconic global format Dancing with the Stars will now set the record as the first live series on Disney+ represents a major growth opportunity and a bold next step forward in the evolution of the franchise," Valerie said in a statement.
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Valerie added that switching a popular competition reality series from broadcast TV to a streaming service is an "unprecedented move."
"Combined with our two-season pick-up, [the move] is a testament to the proven power of Dancing with the Stars and a resounding vote of confidence from our great, supportive partners at Disney, showing how much they value and believe in the brand," Valerie shared.
Dancing with the Stars' 30th season concluded with NBA champion Iman Shumpert and his professional partner Daniella Karagach winning the mirrorball trophy over the runner-up couple JoJo Siwa and pro partner Jenna Johnson.
The show has been hosted by Tyra Banks, but it remains unclear whether she will reprise her role on Disney+ and who will serve on the judging panel.
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Dancing with the Stars' new cast for Season 31, including its celebrities and pro dancers, will also be announced at a later date.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
