The question of who hosted Dancing with the Stars is more complex than it seems, as the show has seen a surprising number of faces lead the charge in the ballroom over its decades-long run. For fans keeping up with the latest seasons, the current hosting lineup represents a return to the show's roots, featuring a former champion and a celebrated pro dancer.
As of the latest seasons, including the recent Season 34 and the highly-anticipated Season 35, the show is co-hosted by beloved Season 19 winner Alfonso Ribeiro and former professional dancer and judge Julianne Hough. This dynamic duo took over for the thirty-second season (2023) and has brought a fresh energy to the show, following a significant period of change in the hosting chair.
The Complete Timeline of Dancing with the Stars Hosts
The role of the DWTS host is critical, acting as the master of ceremonies, guiding celebrities and professional dancers through the demanding competition, and managing the live audience energy. The show's history is marked by several key eras, each defined by the personalities at the helm. Here is a complete look at every host who has stepped onto the famous ballroom floor.
1. The Founding Era: Tom Bergeron and Early Co-Hosts (Seasons 1–9)
- Tom Bergeron (Seasons 1–28, 2005–2020): Tom Bergeron is arguably the most iconic and longest-serving host in DWTS history, often referred to as the heart of the show. He hosted for 28 consecutive seasons, becoming synonymous with the show's tone and humor.
- Lisa Canning (Season 1, 2005): Canning was Bergeron's first co-host for the inaugural season of the show. Her tenure was brief, setting the stage for a rotating cast of co-hosts in the early years.
- Samantha Harris (Seasons 2–9, 2006–2009): Harris stepped into the co-host role for eight seasons, providing a consistent presence alongside Bergeron during the show's rise to popularity.
2. The Mid-Era Duo: Bergeron and Brooke Burke (Seasons 10–17)
In 2010, the show settled into a long-standing and highly popular co-hosting format.
- Brooke Burke (Seasons 10–17, 2010–2013): A former winner herself (Season 7), Brooke Burke joined Bergeron as a co-host for eight seasons. Her experience as both a competitor and a television personality made her a natural fit for the role.
3. The Sports & Entertainment Pairing: Bergeron and Erin Andrews (Seasons 18–28)
The next major change brought a familiar face from the world of sports reporting and another former contestant to the co-hosting position.
- Erin Andrews (Seasons 18–28, 2014–2020): Following Brooke Burke's departure, sports broadcaster and former DWTS contestant (Season 10) Erin Andrews joined Tom Bergeron. This duo helmed the show for 11 seasons, becoming the second longest-running hosting pair before their controversial joint exit in 2020.
The Controversial Shift: The Tyra Banks Era
The summer of 2020 marked the most significant and debated change in Dancing with the Stars history. In a major shakeup, ABC announced that both Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews would be departing the show simultaneously. This decision was met with mixed reactions from the dedicated fan base.
4. The Solo Host: Tyra Banks (Seasons 29–31)
- Tyra Banks (Seasons 29–31, 2020–2022): Supermodel and television personality Tyra Banks took over as the sole host for three seasons, starting with Season 29. She also served as an executive producer. This period marked a distinct shift in the show's presentation, moving away from the long-standing two-person format.
The Tyra Banks era was a major talking point for DWTS viewers, with the change in tone and format sparking intense discussion across social media and fan forums. This transition demonstrated the show's willingness to evolve and try new approaches to its presentation.
The Current Dynamic Duo: A Return to the DWTS Family
The most recent change in the hosting lineup has been widely praised, as it brings two former members of the DWTS family back to the forefront. This move signals a return to the show's deep-rooted history by placing a former champion and a seasoned pro in the main hosting roles.
5. The Champion and the Pro: Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough (Seasons 32–Present)
The current hosting team, which began with Season 32 in 2023, is a powerful combination of talent and history with the show.
- Alfonso Ribeiro (Seasons 31–Present): Ribeiro, the beloved winner of Season 19, first joined the hosting team as a co-host alongside Tyra Banks for Season 31. He then stepped up as the main co-host with Julianne Hough for Season 32. His connection to the show as a champion and his infectious energy make him a perfect fit for the role.
- Julianne Hough (Seasons 32–Present): Hough has one of the most comprehensive histories with Dancing with the Stars. She began as a professional dancer, winning two Mirrorball Trophies (Seasons 4 and 5) with partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Hélio Castroneves. She later served as a judge for multiple seasons before joining Ribeiro as a co-host starting with Season 32. Her deep understanding of the competition is invaluable.
This latest pairing of Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, a former champion and a former pro/judge, has been a successful formula, grounding the show in its own legacy while providing a fresh, energetic presentation. They hosted Season 33 and are confirmed to continue for upcoming seasons, including the recently concluded Season 34, alongside the established panel of judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
Key Entities and Figures in DWTS Hosting History
The history of Dancing with the Stars is rich with personalities who have shaped its identity. Beyond the main hosts, several other entities are central to the show’s success and topical authority:
- Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba (longest-serving judge), Bruno Tonioli, Len Goodman (a founding judge who passed away), and Derek Hough (a six-time Mirrorball champion and current judge).
- Pro Dancers: Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, Maks Chmerkovskiy, Witney Carson, and Sharna Burgess, among others, are integral to the competition.
- Executive Producer: Andrew Llinares, who oversaw the show during the major host changes.
- The Mirrorball Trophy: The ultimate prize awarded to the winning celebrity and their professional partner.
- Network/Platform: The show originally aired on ABC and later transitioned to a simultaneous broadcast on Disney+ before returning fully to ABC for recent seasons.
- Notable Winners: Robert Irwin (Season 34 winner), Charli D'Amelio (Season 31), and Iman Shumpert (Season 30) are recent examples of high-profile champions.
From the foundational partnership of Tom Bergeron and Lisa Canning to the current, dynamic duo of Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, the hosting chair of Dancing with the Stars has seen continuous evolution. The current lineup, featuring two figures deeply connected to the show’s competitive history, is a clear sign that the show values its legacy while embracing a modern, energetic approach to live television.
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