Dwts: Who Will Win Over The West?

After more than a decade on ABC, the 31st season of 'Dancing with the Stars' premiered on Disney+ in fall 2022. Cheryl Burke, a judge on the show, expressed her excitement about the move, saying that it would allow viewers on the West Coast to vote in real time. The show's broad appeal and the popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights made the shift to Disney+ a natural progression, and it has since continued to air on the streaming platform, with the 33rd season premiering in September 2024.

'DWTS' moves from ABC to Disney+

After 30 seasons on ABC, 'Dancing with the Stars' (DWTS) is moving to Disney+ for its 31st and 32nd seasons. The show will be the first live series to debut on the streaming platform, marking a significant shift in strategy for Disney as it prioritises the growth of its direct-to-consumer platforms.

The move is a blow to ABC, which has aired the show since 2005, and to broadcast networks in general, which have relied on their ability to deliver live audiences as ratings for scripted programming continue to decline. Disney's decision to shift resources to its streaming business leaves broadcasters with fewer shows to fill their schedules. Should DWTS prove successful on Disney+, it could pave the way for more shows to make the move to streaming.

Disney is hoping that DWTS's broad appeal and popular Disney-themed competition nights will attract new viewers and subscribers to the platform. DWTS is produced by BBC Studios, and the move to Disney+ will be overseen by Rob Mills and the Walt Disney Television Alternative team.

The show's judges and professional dancers have expressed excitement about the new format. Cheryl Burke, a judge, said the move was "an exciting new chapter for the show and for the streaming world in general". Now, viewers on the West Coast will be able to vote in real-time, and Burke is enthusiastic about the possibilities for the show without commercial breaks. Derek Hough, another judge, echoed these sentiments, saying he believed this was the direction that television was moving in, and he looked forward to more performances, dances, and creativity.

Tyra Banks will continue as host for season 31, and she will be joined by season 19 winner Alfonso Ribeiro. Ribeiro said he was "ecstatic" to rejoin the show, and Banks said she looked forward to bantering with her longtime friend.

Real-time voting for the west coast

The move of the show 'Dancing with the Stars' to Disney+ has brought about a significant change for viewers on the west coast. For the first time, they will be able to vote in real time. This is a notable shift, as historically, the show aired on ABC, which did not offer real-time voting for west coast viewers.

Cheryl Burke, a judge on the show, expressed her excitement about the move to Us Weekly, stating that it will be interesting to see how they manage quick changes and set changes without commercial breaks. She also emphasized the opportunity to attract new fans and give loyal followers something to look forward to. Burke's enthusiasm was echoed by Derek Hough, a pro-turned-judge, who initially felt confused about the announcement but quickly became excited about the possibilities for more performances, dances, and creativity.

The shift to Disney+ also aligns with the show's goal of expanding its demographic reach and introducing the show to a new generation of fans. It is worth noting that the show will continue to air live on ABC, providing viewers with multiple options for watching and participating in real-time voting.

The ability for west coast viewers to vote in real time adds a new dimension to the show and underscores the show's commitment to engaging its audience and creating a more inclusive experience for all fans, regardless of their time zone. This change is expected to enhance the interactivity and excitement of the show, especially for those on the west coast who have been eagerly awaiting this opportunity.

The combination of real-time voting and the show's new platform on Disney+ underscores the show's adaptability and willingness to embrace change to meet the needs and expectations of its viewers.

Host Tyra Banks steps down

After three seasons as host of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), Tyra Banks stepped down from her role in March 2023. She had joined the show in 2020, replacing Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews. In a statement, Banks said:

> "I’m really focused on business, like, crazy, crazy focused on business. … I think it’s time to graduate from the dance floor to the stock market floor. Mic drop. I feel it’s time for me to really focus on my business and my entrepreneurship. I think it’s time. I think my heart and soul are in my business and in producing TV."

Banks also explained that she couldn't fully focus on her business ventures while hosting the show. Her other ventures include her SMiZE and Dream ice cream brand.

Banks was replaced by former professional dancer and judge Julianne Hough, who joined season 32 of DWTS alongside season 19 winner Alfonso Ribeiro as co-hosts. Ribeiro, who had previously co-hosted with Banks, said that she was "very happy" for him and offered him "nothing but love".

The show's first Latino professional dancer in over a decade

Ezra Sosa is the first Latino professional dancer to be featured on the series in over a decade. He was promoted to pro for season 33 of 'Dancing with the Stars' (DWTS), which premiered on September 17, 2024, on ABC and Disney+.

Sosa's addition to the show was initially reported by entertainment journalist Kristyn Burtt and later confirmed by GLAAD. He joins a cast of celebrities, including Anna Delvey, Jenn Tran, and Stephen Nedoroscik, who was the first celebrity participant announced for the season.

Season 33 of DWTS is the second to air live on ABC and Disney+ simultaneously, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. The season is hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, with former professional dancer and judge Julianne Hough as co-host.

The judges for season 33 are Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Len Goodman, who passed away in April 2024. Goodman had been a judge on the show since its inception in 2005 and retired at the end of season 31.

The death of head judge Len Goodman

Len Goodman, the beloved head judge of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS), passed away on April 22, 2023, at the age of 78. His death came less than a year after he retired from the show in November 2022, following 17 years on the judge's panel.

Goodman's career in the world of dance began at the age of 19, when he first started dancing on his doctor's recommendation as therapy for a foot injury. He went on to become a professional ballroom dancer, winning various competitions, including the British Championships in the 1970s. He then retired from dancing in his late twenties and opened a dance school, the Goodman Academy, in southern England.

In 2004, Goodman rose to fame when he became the head judge on the BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing", a position he held until 2016. A year later, in 2005, he joined the panel of judges for the American adaptation, DWTS, where he remained until 2022. For several years, he juggled both roles, judging the British and American shows simultaneously and crisscrossing the Atlantic weekly.

Goodman was known for his wit, warmth, and distinctive feedback, with catchphrases like "pickle me walnuts" and his signature score proclamations of "se-VEN" and the occasional "it's a 10 from Len." His colourful commentary endeared him to viewers, with memorable lines such as describing a salsa-dancing couple as "like two sizzling sausages on a barbecue" and praising a dancer who had "floated across that floor like butter on a crumpet".

Following his retirement from DWTS, Goodman expressed his desire to spend more time with his family and grandchildren in Britain. Sadly, his life was cut short by bone cancer, and he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones at a hospice in Kent, England. He is survived by his wife, Sue Barrett, his son, James, and his two grandchildren.

The legacy of Len Goodman lives on, and his impact on the world of dance and entertainment will forever be cherished.

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