‘DWTS’ Bombshell: The Truth About Tom Bergeron’s Firing Finally Revealed

When Tom Bergeron walked back into the Dancing With The Stars ballroom this year, few fans could hold back their excitement.

It was a moment many never thought they’d see again — the beloved host who defined nearly three decades of the show returning to the place he once called home.

Bergeron’s appearance as a guest judge for the show’s 20th anniversary special, airing November 11 on ABC, marks his first time back since his unexpected firing in 2020 — a decision that shocked the DWTS fanbase and left the television host disillusioned with the show he had helped shape.

The Exit That No One Saw Coming

Tom Bergeron had hosted Dancing With The Stars for 28 seasons, becoming one of television’s most familiar and trusted faces. So when ABC abruptly announced his departure in 2020 — alongside co-host Erin Andrews — fans were stunned.

In the years since, Bergeron has spoken openly about what led to that split. On Bob Saget’s Here For You podcast, he admitted, “In all candor, the show that I left was not the show that I loved.”

The conflict, according to Bergeron, came to a head in 2019 during Season 28. Producers decided to cast former White House press secretary Sean Spicer — a choice Bergeron strongly opposed, believing it introduced divisive politics into a show meant for light-hearted entertainment.

“I wanted the viewers to know this was a step too far to me,” he later told Cheryl Burke, explaining that his issue wasn’t partisan. “Had it been a Democrat, same statement.”

That decision, he said, marked a breaking point. “At that moment, I knew this is probably my last season, because of that one betrayal. Up until that point, there were people of character there.”

Life After the Spotlight

Since leaving DWTS, Bergeron has largely stepped away from the entertainment limelight, spending his time between his homes — including one in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Fans who followed him through his television career know that he’s always favored humor and humility over Hollywood drama, and his quiet life seems to reflect that.

Meanwhile, the show went through a noticeable shift. Tyra Banks took over hosting duties after his exit — a period many fans now refer to as one of the show’s “darkest eras.” Today, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough share the role, restoring a familiar sense of energy to the series.

A Return Filled With Nostalgia

When Bergeron announced his surprise return as a one-night-only judge, excitement exploded across social media. Fans who had tuned out after his departure suddenly had a reason to come back.

On Instagram, the Emmy-winning host shared a nostalgic throwback photo from thirteen years ago featuring Mark Ballas, Julianne and Derek Hough, and So You Think You Can Dance alum Randi Strong.

He captioned it with his trademark wit:

“Mark’s hair may have gotten longer, mine may have gotten grayer, Derek’s may have spread to his face & Julianne may have refused to age (a bit annoying, frankly 😉😘), but the bonds of love and friendship have only gotten stronger.”

The comment section quickly filled with joy and affection:

“You need to be a permanent judge on DWTS.”

“I haven’t watched a single episode of DWTS since you left.”

“This will be my favorite episode of the season simply because you are back!”

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Moment

This return isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s symbolic. Bergeron wasn’t invited to the 2023 tribute episode honoring late head judge Len Goodman, who passed away that same year. Goodman’s final appearance was in 2022, after announcing his retirement to spend more time with family in the UK.

Now, seeing Bergeron seated at the judges’ panel — a place once occupied by his longtime friend — feels like a quiet but powerful tribute in itself.

As one of the show’s most recognizable voices, Tom Bergeron’s comeback reminds fans of what Dancing With The Stars once represented: heart, humor, and the joy of dance — without the politics.

Fans can tune in to watch his long-awaited return on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 8 PM Eastern on ABC.

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