In a move that has stirred both nostalgia and excitement, television veteran Tom Bergeron is set to make a major guest reappearance on Dancing with the Stars on November 11, 2025, marking his first time back on the show since his departure in 2020.
A Full‑Circle Moment
Bergeron, who served as the show’s host from its 2005 debut through 2019, will step into the role of guest judge for the special 20th‑anniversary episode of the series. This appearance represents a poignant homecoming, as he returns to the very ballroom stage he once led.
His exit five years ago followed creative and casting conflicts behind the scenes; he has since described his final season as “not the show I loved”. Now, he says he’s returning with a renewed sense of purpose and relief—“my happy place,” as he calls it.
The Emotion Behind the Return
For Bergeron, this comeback is about more than just a television appearance—it signals reconciliation, legacy, and an opportunity to witness the show’s resurgence from a new vantage point. He emphasized how refreshing it will be to judge rather than host: no commercial cues, no timing concerns—just focus on the moments that move him.
His decision to cost‑effectively cameo (requesting only standard pay plus a donation to charity) underscores that this is a personal move, not a bargain performance. He credited longtime showrunner Conrad Green for extending the olive branch and steering the production back to what Bergeron calls its essence.
Fans & Industry Response
The announcement triggered waves of reaction on social media, with long‑time fans celebrating the return of an era‑defining host. Many are speculating whether this could open the door to more of Bergeron’s involvement in the future—though he remains non‑committal, saying if he “sucks as a judge, they’ll never ask me back.”
Industry watchers point to his return as a smart strategic moment for the series, leveraging familiarity to boost the anniversary episode’s viewership and reinforce the brand’s emotional roots.
What to Expect November 11
When the episode airs, viewers can anticipate:
- Bergeron joining the judging panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
- A tribute‑style format drawing on 20 years of the show—past contestants, special group numbers, and a nod to the series’ evolution.
- A lighter tone for Bergeron’s involvement: he’s not hosting, but judging from the stage where his career soared.
The Bigger Picture
Bergeron’s return is emblematic of how long‑running entertainment franchises can reclaim their legacy moments while still moving forward. It demonstrates the power of timing, audience affection, and the desire for meaningful callbacks in today’s crowded media landscape. For Bergeron, it’s more than a guest spot—it’s a chance to close a chapter on his own terms and celebrate something he helped build from the ground up.
© 2025 PopScopeNow – Thursday, November 6, 2025
