In a dramatic and tearful return to the ballroom, former Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron used his guest judge appearance to make a heartfelt plea to ABC network executives, begging them to change the show's format.
An Emotional Homecoming
Tom Bergeron returned to Dancing with the Stars for the first time since his shocking departure in 2020, serving as a special guest judge during Tuesday's 20th anniversary celebration episode. The 70-year-old television legend received an emotional welcome from co-host Julianne Hough, who fought back tears during her introduction.
The nostalgic moment took a serious turn when Bergeron declined to critique the contestants' relay dance and instead directed his final comments toward the network. Speaking directly to the camera, he declared: "This show is setting ratings records again, so next season, bring back the results show. Let the whole country vote. Let everybody vote." His powerful message was met with enthusiastic cheers from the live studio audience.
The Format Change Controversy
Bergeron was referring to the significant format change that occurred in 2013, when DWTS eliminated its traditional two-episode structure. Previously, performances aired on Monday nights with viewers voting for their favourites, followed by a dedicated results show on Tuesday that revealed which couple would be eliminated.
The original format allowed for a much larger voting window, giving fans across different time zones adequate opportunity to participate. The secondary episode also featured guest performances and behind-the-scenes content, creating what Bergeron described as "like a variety show with an elimination at the end."
Since the change to a single two-hour episode each week, eliminations now occur at the end of the performance show, significantly shortening the voting period and making it difficult for West Coast viewers to participate unless they watch via live streaming services.
Continuing Advocacy for Fair Voting
Despite his controversial exit from the show five years ago due to creative differences with producers, Bergeron has remained a vocal advocate for returning to the previous format. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he expressed his concerns about the current voting system's limitations.
"I always mourned the loss of that Tuesday show," Bergeron stated. "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."
The timing of Bergeron's plea coincides with the show's recent success, as DWTS has achieved record-high viewership this season, reaching its highest ratings since his departure. The emotional episode concluded with the elimination of comedian Andy Richter and his professional partner Emma Slater, who were cut from the competition just before the season 34 semi-finals.
