Former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron gives new host Alfonso Ribeiro his stamp of approval on social media. “Now, getting Conrad Green back as DWTS showrunner is only ONE of their smartest decisions,” Tom captioned a photo of the two. “Here’s the other one Congratulations, buddy!” Tom posted the message alongside a photo of the duo when Alfonso competed and won DWTS with pro partner Witney Carson back in 2014.
It’s not the first time Alfonso followed Tom into a hosting position. He took over helming America’s Funniest Home Videos after Tom exited the job (voluntarily!) in 2014.
DWTS producer Andrew Llinares made controversial decisions
Back in 2020, Dancing with the Stars producer Andrew Llinares made a controversial change, firing Tom, who had hosted the show since season 1 in 2005, and his co-host Erin Andrews. In their place Llinares cast Tyra Banks, who has produced/hosted a variety of talk and reality shows. But, as the two seasons she spent hosting America’s Got Talent in 2017 and 2018 proved, she wasn’t very good at thinking on her feet.
For instance, on Dancing with the Stars, she made substantial errors right off the bat. And as an executive producer of the show Tyra placed herself front and center, much to the chagrin of fans and pro dancers alike.
Tom called out Llinares after he cast a divisive political figure.
After Llinares fired Tom, it became clear the two had a difficult relationship. When Tom took to social media to call out the show in 2019 after they casted former Trump White House spokesperson Sean Spicer, the end was near. Llinares axed him the following year.
What goes around comes around! When the changes Llinares made did not lift sinking ratings, Disney FIRED him. His replacement, Conrad Green produced the DWTS between 2005 and 2014, when the show was massively popular. Many DWTS watchers were hoping that along with firing Llinares, Disney would also ditch Tyra. But instead, she’ll share hosting duties with Alfonso. For most of DWTS’ run, two hosts have helmed the proceedings.
Dancing with the Stars is headed to Disney+
If firing the producer and adding another host weren’t enough change, Disney yanked DWTS off of network television. For season 31 and 32, Dancing with the Stars will stream exclusively on Disney+ this fall.
Some things will remain the same. Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli will return to the judges table.
Many fans hoped that Tom would return to host. But it’s hard to imagine him working alongside the amateurish Tyra. Unfortunate. Note that Erin added a comment to the post “I agree on both! Congrats @therealalfonsoribeiro”
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