‘Dancing With the Stars’ Surprise: ABC Series Picked Up For Two Seasons, But Moving to Disney+ This Fall
Dancing with the Stars will be the first live series to debut on Disney+.
In a ground-breaking deal, the show that anchored the ABC Monday night lineup for more than 15 years will move to Disney+ this fall. The show has been renewed for two seasons, taking DWTS through a 32nd cycle.
The switch was prompted in part by football: ABC plans to simulcast several games on ESPN’s Monday Night Football slate in the fall. The broadcaster will also have an exclusive Monday Night Football contest at some point in the NFL season.
Dancing with the Stars has, like all television shows, waning viewership, going from as many as 20 million viewers per week when it debuted to a still respectable average of 6 million viewers per episode in its last season. Football, of course, is a much bigger draw, especially in the coveted 18-49 demographic.
“Dancing With the Stars has entertained fans for 16 years on ABC, and we are excited to bring this beloved show exclusively to Disney+ as the platform’s first-ever live series,” said Kareem Daniel, chairman Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution. “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.”
Dancing with the Stars is hosted by Tyra Banks, and recently featured same-sex dance partners for the first time when Jojo Siwa partnered with Jenna Johnson.