PureDWTS Season 29: Tom Bergeron & Erin Andrews No Longer Hosting
This has to be one of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse…the Berge getting CANNED from DWTS????
Just informed @DancingABC will be continuing without me. It’s been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career. I’m grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?
— Tom Bergeron (@Tom_Bergeron) July 13, 2020
Like John (who pointed this out to me, as I’m on a possibly-permanent Twitter vacation), my gut tells me this was likely budgetary in nature – ad revenue is dwindling and they can no longer afford him. Although I can’t help but wonder if his vocal dislike of the current administration had something to do with it as well – DWTS viewers skew conservative.
UPDATE: Apparently Erin is out too, per ET:
ABC and BBC Studios released a joint statement to ET confirming the news, and revealed that Andrews, his longtime co-host, will also be leaving the show.
“Tom Bergeron will forever be part of the Dancing with the Stars family. As we embark on a new creative direction, he departs the show with our sincerest thanks and gratitude for his trademark wit and charm that helped make this show a success,” the statement explained. “Erin will also not be returning, and we appreciate all that she brought to the ballroom. Fans have been rooting for her since she originally competed as a contestant back in 2010, and her signature sense of humor has become a hallmark of the show.”
As for Erin, it’s likely a money thing and not much else – from what I could tell, viewers had really warmed to her in recent years. I like to think she maybe bowed out on her own accord – she gets so busy during the NFL season, and has been talking about her fertility struggles for a few years after her cancer diagnosis. Maybe she’ll finally get a chance to start the family she wants.
Well I’m not really looking forward to next season…if there even is one 🙁 Thoughts?
I just read that Erin is out, too. Seriously, Tom is such a huge part of DWTS that I can’t even imagine this show going on without him. I wonder if its because he was vocal about Sean Spicer last season-Tom doesn’t seem to hold back when he doesn’t like changes.
But yeah, it probably does have to do with budget. And with COVID cases rising again, I don’t know how they are going to do a season anytime soon. But maybe they figure they won’t need a host with their COVID recording plans. ABC seems to care more about Idol and the Bachelor franchise anymore. I feel like DWTS days are numbered.
Wow, unreal. I just can’t imagine DWTS with Tom. Erin, I can live with out, but, TOM? No. How sad! 🙁
Just heard the news – so bummed. No one can replace Tom. Will be interesting!
I can’t believe they’ve fired Tom, after 15 years. I can’t see there being a DWTS without him.
Erin….I could live without her tbh….she did get so much better over time though. Tom….that kills me. Something tells me it’s Alfonso or Jordan or Joey Fatone as host next. As for Erin replacement….I guess Hannah or (and this is a viable one since it was so fun too) Leah remini
Hit submit too early: Kym Johnson too maybe.
Tom??? I can’t believe it! I am shocked. He honestly made the show and his rapport with the cast and celebrities was amazing and always so positive. He always knew how to comically get through even the weirdest situations. I get if it had to do with budget, but I will be seriously pissed if the 3 judges stay. They should go wayyyyyyy before Tom.
Saw Tom’s post on Instagram and came here first. I’m really going to miss him as a host and all the wit and brilliance he brought to the ballroom. Wonder what they are doing to do about hosts now and wonder what the new season will look like. Pretty bummed about posting Tom
wow this is horrible. NOT TOM!!!! it won’t be the same without him. why couldn’t they have just replaced the judges instead?!?!?!?
This is a big mistake on DWTS part. I fear who they’ll pick to replace them. I instantly though oh please don’t let it be Ginger Zee. They love her and she had done more segments away from weather on the news but man I couldn’t stand it if it’s her. This is a shame it’s like firing Chris Harrison from the bachelor. I feel like you can’t have one without the other.
The only other things I can possibly think of is they are doing it to hire more diverse hosts? Maybe. Less likely but just a thought I had. It sucks though I’m fearing for this seasons. I feel bad for Kaitlyn that she’s finally getting her chance but it’s likely gonna suck because of how down hill the show has gone.
Wow. I’m speechless. To get rid of Tom is a bold choice, and I don’t see any return in a post covid 19 world. So like is this season going to be like a livestreaming kind of deal? The more I hear I can’t help but think that would be the format. The package formatting and bumpers in the last few seasons have been priming for this. I’m hoping if they’re doing that then add more celebrities to the roster. I say this only because I’m afraid the 2 hours are going to be half bs, a quarter dancing, and a quarter random viral shenanigans. Ugh…
Hello friends. I stopped watching the show and commenting on it on this blog several seasons ago.
Tom is the bricks and mortar of this show. He is the foundation upon which the whimsy, camp and skill of thus reality competition show rest upon.
His effortless professionalism and charm is a huge reason why the the show worked. He was the mirror that reflected the rhinestone and feather fantasy in a way that was acceptable, joyous and and affirming.
All good things must eventually to an end. This show got me through some dark times for which I will be forever grateful as does this blog. Take care everyone and thank you for this incredible forum.
For a replacement host, my first thought was Alfonso or Rashad. I think they would host for way less than Tom makes, and they are part of the DWTS/ABC family. If Derek wasn’t at NBC, I would think him, but obviously he’s got other things going on. I also thought of Julianne as a co-host (not sure what she’s got going on nowadays). I won’t be surprised if it’s someone in the DWTS family.
@Taryn, I didn’t think about Ginger, but I hope not. Funny, when I was thinking who they would possibly think is a good replacement for Tom, I half wondered if they would go with Maks or Val, although I think both of them would rather judge. I wonder if the ax will be dropping on some of the pros this season again. Whenever this season happens.
Sorry for the double post, but I hope to god they don’t get Bobby Bones as host. That guy already ruined DWTS enough. That is reason enough for me to not watch live and FF through everything except the dances. Bobby is the type, too, that would totally get off on the outrage.
I’m leaving this show behind for good. I’m going in “a new creative direction”
Another theory is that they don’t need a host if it’s virtual and they’re doing a different remote format? Although, I think it’s likely a budget thing. Ratings have been dropping for a while and with COVID-19 changing the format of the show, I imagine advertisers will be reticent to support the show when they’re not sure how many will tune in.
I think its the beginning of the end
@Kara I think because ginger bugs me so much that was my instant fear. However I didn’t think of Rashad and he would be great. I also thought about Jordan Fisher and Frankie Muniz because they hosted DWTS Jrs. I also thought oh no no no Bobby Bones.
What bad timing ABC! Fans looking forward to some “familiarity” in our traditions of watching reality shows we love and then they spring this on us. Tom is DWTS. I’m not liking “the new normal”. What’s next?? Chris Harrison!? 😳😢😡
wow…. did think it was interesting ABC let him do Masked Singer. oh god this could go so wrong, please really think this through ABC. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go with a solo host, perhaps they could just go and steal back from FOX and get Cat Deeley.
Tom’s outspokeness is nothing new – he’s always been that way. But if they didn’t like his political commentary because conservatives watch (I’m not one – guess I don’t count?), well then it’s no wonder the ratings have been tanking. When you play to the Sean Spicers of the world, your days are numbered.
If they can’t afford Tom, what makes you think they can afford Alfonso, Jordan or Joey?? Doubtful. Now Hannah as a replacement might work – she’s unlikely to get huge bucks. But Leah would MORE expensive than Erin, not less.
I also wonder if there are some pros whose days are numbered? If it’s about budget, then some of the longer term pros are likely also out the door. Although I wouldn’t mind losing Val, Jenna may go as well. And I doubt Sharna will be back. Who else might be in danger?
And all this because of Katy Perry, at the end of the day. Bachelor is super cheap to produce – the entire show is probably less than Katy Perry’s Idol salary which seems like a waste to me.
God, please, not Ginger Zee. So of course, that’s who they’ll go with. Ugh. It’s like they’re trying to MAKE me stop watching this show.
Dang Kara, then you had to put Bobby Bones in my brain. Dear lord.
Think the show is dunzo!
Well, I won’t be watching. I figured it would go virtual and that would lose a lot of what the show is, but I would have given it a try. But getting rid of Tom? To replace him with someone cheaper, that’ll kiss network ass and not be able to pull off the jokes like Tom could? No thank you.
Idol has had its time. I know people can say so has DWTS, but Katy Perry is being paid a salary she doesn’t deserve, and for years now, the winners of the show have one “hit” or are never heard from once it’s done.
It’s even worse to think that someone like Ginger Zee can be a host. Leah Remini is irritating on so many levels. Or a bachelorette, or heaven forbid Bobby Bones.
Nope, it’s off my watch list. I’d rather remember what it once was then what it’s going to be.
Tom is the best part of the show. Sad to see him go.
I really think Alfonso Ribeiro will be the host (Tom had already said that Alfonso would be a good replacement.) For me it’s obvious that Leah Remini will be the co-host.
I think we will have a new judge (or judgeS?). I think Kym Johnson-Herjavec will be a judge, and probably Tony Dovolani too. I love these two.
I heard something about them bringing back Sharna to judge this season.
@Susan2, I agree with you. I stopped watching when the former White House employee was on. I couldn’t deal with that nonsense so I gave up. I wanted to give it another try this season, but this sealed it for me.
You’re right, Tom is the show. And to think someone else is going to take over is sad. What about the judges? They fly Bruno and Len back and forth constantly, replace them with someone that lives here, which they should actually do anyway with the way things are. And honestly, if I were Bruno or Len, I wouldn’t want to come here right now.
This show lifted my spirits when at times I desperately needed it. This blog made me laugh and it was nice to participate in it with other fans of the show. So to all of the mods thank you for the work you put into and the insight you provided. To other participators, thank you for sharing your comments, they were always interesting to read and comment on.
I’ve watched since season 2 and it has been an incredible run, but now it’s time to move on.
As soon as I heard the news about Tom, I immediately thought of Bobby Bones. Watching him as a contestant (and in the audience as returning champ the next season) was WAY more than I could handle. If he gets the gig as the host, I won’t watch anymore. Haven’t we suffered enough this year?!
I’m still stunned at the Tom news! He was the one real constant in an unending change of format that this show has been since season 6. I don’t understand why they have chosen Idol over DWTS, I’ve never been a fan of that show and haven’t tuned in even on accident once since the reboot. I feel sorriest for the Pro’s since many of them are young and have settled in CA for this specific job, we all love them and I sure wish they could be taken care of better by the Power that Be there. It just keeps getting sadder and sadder, it seems it really is time to put a fork in it…
I’ll try to keep an open mind and give the new hosts a chance, but no one will have the same appeal of Tom Bergeron. He was DWTS to me. Maybe he can be a contestant?
As others have already commented, I also stopped watching regularly several seasons ago and, it seems, spared myself because I never saw Sean Spicer, Bobby Bones, Ginger Zee or some of the others dance. Tom Bergeron is a treasure. The consummate professional, and well-respected so it is a very poor decision to let him go, budgetary or not.
I do feel ABC is missing a big opportunity here. With all the limitations forced by Covid 19, most of us are really craving bright, fresh, NEW entertainment and NOT the same old tired formats and reruns. Personally, I would just love to see some wonderful dancing (not a competition but a show), beautiful costuming, and fabulous music for an hour or two to enjoy a respite from the constant negative news on TV. The Derek and Hayley segments on the Disney singalongs made me realize how very much I crave real, dazzling entertainment and NOT a competition. If they can figure out how to do it with very little and while confined at home, a network should be able to do something more dazzling WITHOUT spending a lot of money. Sadly, I have no confidence that ABC has any creative genius anymore.
There’s going to be an announcement on GMA tomorrow about the upcoming season-I’m guessing we’ll find out who are new host (or hosts) are, and how they plan on doing this season, if there is a fall one.
I really hope it’s not strahan or maks or Bobby bones. Anyone else I’m cool with
Tyra banks! Not Tom but I like her a lot
Cindy, I think Bruno actually chose DWTS only – so no flying back and forth. I don’t think Len was flying back and forth last season, was he? I think he also picked DWTS.
I don’t think they’ll make that many changes in one season – if I was a pro, however, I would be worried.
Thank you PureDWTS group for your years of hard work put into this site. Very disappointing decision by TPTB … wish you all the best.
I’m pissed! Tom out?? How could they do that to him? He was a huge part of the show, there doesn’t seem to be a DWTS without Tom Bergeron. Are they nuts??? Well sure there’s budget and covid19 to think about but come on. If it’s budget, cut out something else! I imagine there won’t be a live audience. They didn’t have a live audience on the last couple of episodes from Australia’s version because of covid19. No money coming from live audience should’ve helped them with the budget. This sucks. First, Bobby Bones wins then Sean Spicer and now this. ABC is purposely trying to ruin this show! I’ve slowly lost interest. I barely remember last season and never really googled on behind the scenes stuff or news from the show. I’d watch on Monday nights then move on for the rest of the week as if there was no dwts.
What about pros? Are they cutting out our current pros and replacing them all or not even doing pros and making the celebs learn the dances themselves? Probably. I imagine Lindsey is out now that she’s pregnant. I know Sharna is still in Australia and has been since last season of Austrlia’s DWTS. I’m still confused about traveling in and out of Australia. Is Australia on lockdown, still? Is that why Sharna is still there? If that’s the case and the lockdown extends through September, she’s definitely out again.
I last watched the show in 2016 or 2017.
One season after Derek Hough left the show. It just didn’t hold my interest anymore. But, I still had fond memories of the show. Memories now tarnished by the firing of Tom B.
Tyra Banks better get ready to go down with the ship. She doesn’t seem to be able to hold the job for more than a season or two anyway.