DWTS is dropped by ABC after 30 seasons as show moves to Disney+ following low ratings & Tyra Banks hosting backlash
DANCING With the Stars is moving from ABC to Disney+ after 30 seasons, following low ratings and major backlash over Tyra Banks as host.
The competition series has also been renewed for two seasons and it’ll be the streaming service’s first live series.
Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, explained in a press release: “’Dancing with the Stars’ has entertained fans for 16 years on ABC.
"We are excited to bring this beloved show exclusively to Disney+ as the platform’s first-ever live series.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Dana Walden, who’s the Chairman of Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, said in the release that while DWTS has been a “beloved staple on ABC,” it’s time for a change.
She continued: “As we’re significantly expanding our unscripted slate at ABC, this is a great opportunity to introduce this show to a whole new generation of fans on Disney+.”
The shake-up comes after the show had been dealing with some troubles the last couple of seasons, including fans calling for host Tyra to be fired and plummeting ratings.
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Tyra became DWTS' solo host for Season 29 after longtime host Tom Bergeron and his co-host Erin Andrews were let go, shocking some fans, and she remained at the helm for Season 30.
During Season 29, Tyra announced the wrong bottom two couple during the elimination process, blaming the broadcast blunder on a cue card mistake.
Almost immediately, fans were not in step with the ANTM alum.
There was a fan petition to replace her on that earned 14K signatures.
Outlandish outfits have been another issue, as Tyra has been known to even upstage performers, including a dinosaur-evoking number that was stomped by fans.
Despite some of the drama surrounding the show lately, Valerie Bruce, the General Manager of BBC Studio's Los Angeles production arm, which is partners with Disney on this, said this change proved the show's staying power.
"This unprecedented move, combined with our two-season pick-up, is a testament to the proven power of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’" she said in the release.
Valerie continued: "And [it's] a resounding vote of confidence from our great, supportive partners at Disney, showing how much they value and believe in the brand."
In February, The Sun exclusively reported that executives may shuffle in a new DWTS co-host alongside Tyra and "want to hire Kylie Jenner" or another big name.
After learning earlier that ABC was "mapping out" what to do with DWTS, The Sun shared that a co-host was one of the possible changes.
A source exclusively shared that the 48-year-old's "future as host is secretly being reviewed by ABC executives."
Rather than being replaced, Tyra was reportedly "poised to meet" to discuss names that would "bring more eyeballs."
"Currently potential names" include A-listers Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, LeVar Burton and Drag Race host RuPaul.
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Execs are even floating "wild card" options for the show, including Michael Strahan, Jimmy Kimmel and Kylie.
The announcement of DWTS' move from ABC to Disney+ did not reveal whether or not the America’s Next Top Model alum will return to her hosting duties, if a co-host will join, or a new host altogether.
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