Dancing With The Stars Season 31 Release Date, Cast, And More Information
Everybody's looking forward to the brand new "Dancing with the Stars" Season 31, especially after all the fun that the previous season dished up. In fact, some of the most notable moments made "DWTS" history. For instance, viewers were riveted when Cody Rigsby and his professional dance partner Cheryl Burke both tested positive for COVID-19, per People. Luckily, the show allowed them to submit separate remote performances and they advanced to the following round. Another first was when Season 30 introduced the first same-sex dancing pair. JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson set the dance floor alight with their blistering footwork, taking second place at the finale, per TV Insider. Tyra Banks also came back in place of former hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews, and fans kept having a hard time with the transition. Banks has been going solo since the 29th season of the show, and per Deadline, she is making a comeback.
Deadline additionally reported that the hugely popular show has once again been picked up for a two-year run. Even though there was a drop in the ratings in the previous season, it still remained one of ABC's top five unscripted series in the Adults 18 to 49 category. However, "Dancing with the Stars" Season 31 and Season 32 will not only deliver sharp dance moves, but there are already a few new twists in the works. As the premiere date draws closer, more details about the new era of the stalwart show have emerged.
Dancing with the Stars premiere date
"Dancing with the Stars" Season 31 premiere date was announced at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, per Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution. The award-winning reality show will premiere on Monday, September 19. However, the press release was sparse and there was no indication if the show would still follow the same format, its duration, or even the time that it will be broadcast.
Of course, avid "DWTS" already knew that the show would return in mid-September thanks to on-air reporter Kristyn Burtt, who leaked the info on her Instagram in early July. She gave some inside info before asking her fans, "Would you also like to know the premiere date?" The news personality then shared a video of her on the "Dancing with the Stars" set and various dancers practicing their moves. At the end of the clip, a calendar shows the early fall date that the series is expected to premiere.
Some stars took to the "DWTS" Instagram page to express their excitement. Dance pros Lindsay Arnold Cusick wrote, "WOOHOO!" and included two heart-eyed emoji, while Ezra Sosa raved, "Let's go!" Glad to see that some old cast members are rooting for the show. Are you also wondering who's making a return to the show, and if there will be any new faces?
Dancing with the Stars cast
Any reality show is only as good as its cast members, and while there are new contestants on every season of "Dancing with the Stars," the judges, hosts, and dancing professionals provide some semblance of continuity. TV Insider confirmed that the familiar faces of judges Len Goodman, Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli will return for "DWTS" Season 31. Tyra Banks is also making a comeback, but she did take to Instagram to announce that she will have a co-host this season. "So excited to finally reveal this! I'm reuniting with a very special someone I worked with when I was just 19 years old! @TheRealAlfonsoRibeiro is joining me in the @DancingWithTheStars ballroom as my co-host ... I can't wait to stream live & have crazy fun w/ him!" she penned.
Of course, Ribeiro has a history with "DWTS." He and dance pro Witney Carson won "DWTS" Season 19 in 2014. The professional dancer took to social media to gush, "Can't think of a more perfect fit to host @dancingwiththestars than my brother/uncle @therealalfonsoribeiro." Former host Tom Bergeron also alluded to Ribeiro's new gig being good for the show. He shared, "Now, getting Conrad Green back as DWTS showrunner is only ONE of their smartest decisions. Here's the other one. Congratulations, buddy!" He then shared some pics of him and Ribeiro smiling. However, Ribeiro is not the only major change in the works for the show — "DWTS" seems to have a case of itchy feet.
Dancing with the Stars is moving to Disney Plus
"Dancing with the Stars" has a new home. After nearly two decades with ABC, the show is moving to Disney+. The channel's chairman, Kareem Daniel, shared (via Deadline), "We are excited to bring this beloved show exclusively to Disney+ as the platform's first-ever live series," adding, "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." While Disney was understandably excited about the new addition to the lineup, ABC also seemingly indicated that it already has plans for the show's traditional time slot. The channel revealed that it will broadcast NFL football during the slot previously occupied by "DWTS."
While the move may surprise many, fans may recall a fun Disney moment in a previous season. In "DWTS" Season 30, contestants had a theme night of Disney Heroes performances, per TV Line. The couples were decked out in their best animation costumes and seemed to have a ball while performing their routines. They also had to complete a Mickey Dance Challenge for bonus points. Perhaps, the powers-that-be were already trying to gauge the audience's reaction at the time. One thing's for sure, "DWTS" remains one of the most enduring shows no matter where they go. For now, it's time to dust off those dancing shoes because there's another mirrorball trophy up for grabs!