Tom Bergeron is officially returning to the “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom — and fans swear they saw it coming. The 70-year-old TV icon will make his grand return as a guest judge during the show’s 20th anniversary “Birthday Party” episode, airing Wednesday, November 5.
But before the big announcement, Bergeron had fans convinced something was up. He’d been posting a string of nostalgic “DWTS” throwbacks on Instagram to celebrate Cheryl Burke’s return to the judges’ panel for the Halloween episode — and viewers were quick to wonder if he’d be next. Turns out, he was just a couple of weeks behind her.
Bergeron’s Throwback Posts Sparked DWTS Speculation
Bergeron has been busy sharing a few cheeky photos from his years as host. One showed him wearing a cheeseburger on his head, another featured a flashback to his days alongside celebrities like Rod Stewart. Along with celebrating Burke’s return, he shared a throwback to other Halloween shows.
“Who says I wasn’t in costume on our Halloween shows? I always went as @ryanseacrest,” Bergeron joked in one post.
Fans filled his comments with excitement, guessing that his sudden wave of nostalgia meant something more. “Are you coming back, Tom?!” one fan asked. “We miss you so much!” another added. While Burke got her moment first, Bergeron’s turn is finally here — and longtime viewers couldn’t be happier.
Tom Bergeron Reflects on His DWTS Legacy
“It feels really good [to be back], I’m really looking forward to it,” Bergeron said during his November 5 “Good Morning America” appearance. “I’ve been reminiscing on all the fun I had hosting the show. I think 20 years of any primetime show is amazing. For a show 20 years old to also be having a ratings resurgence as they are, you’re more likely to see a zebra playing the piano.”
He credited the production team for “getting it back to its essence” and even shared who he’s most excited to judge this season — comedian Andy Richter. “He epitomizes what I always thought the show was at its best,” Bergeron said.
The special 20th anniversary episode will pay tribute to two decades of iconic “DWTS” moments, with first-round dances set to freestyle music from past seasons. In a new twist, celebrity contestants will also perform competitive routines without their pro partners for bonus points.
Bergeron hosted “Dancing With the Stars” from its premiere in 2005 through season 28, alongside co-host Erin Andrews, before his 2020 exit. Executive producer Andrew Llinares later called the change “part of the show’s evolution” to keep things feeling fresh.
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