Dancing With the Stars is throwing itself a ballroom birthday bash.
The hit ABC competition series—now simulcast live on both ABC and Disney+—will mark 20 years of glitter, footwork, and mirrorballs with a two-hour “20th Birthday Party” episode on Tuesday, November 11, featuring former host Tom Bergeron’s highly anticipated return as a guest judge.
It’s the first time Bergeron has stepped back into the ballroom since his 2020 departure after 28 seasons, when he and longtime co-host Erin Andrews were let go ahead of Season 29. His comeback has fans celebrating what many consider the “golden era” of DWTS.
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One Former Pro Can’t Attend — but Sent Her Love
While many familiar faces from past seasons will appear during the special, one notable alum revealed she won’t be able to join in the celebration. Former pro Lacey Schwimmer, known for her edgy choreography and rebellious streak during her six-season run, shared the news on her Instagram stories on Saturday, November 8.
“I won’t be at the 20th anniversary for @dancingwiththestars due to work, but wishing everyone the best celebration! And congrats to @tombergeron for his judging debut! Go smash it, my friend,” she wrote.
Bergeron reposted her message with a warm response: “Thanks, Lacey! Gonna miss ya.”
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Schwimmer appeared on DWTS for six seasons (7, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 13) and quickly made a name for herself as the “bad girl of the ballroom.” She reached the finals twice — first in her debut season with NSYNC’s Lance Bass (placing third) and again in season 11 with Disney Channel star Kyle Massey (placing second).
Her absence will no doubt be felt among longtime fans, many of whom credit her with helping push the show toward bolder, more modern choreography in its early years.
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What to Expect from the 20th Anniversary Show
According to ABC’s press release, the “20th Birthday Party” will open with a massive pro-packed number choreographed by Derek Hough, set to a re-imagined live version of the DWTS theme by Ray Chew. Six of the show’s original season 1 pros will also return for the number: Alec Mazo, Ashly DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jorgensen and Edyta Śliwińska.
Later, the ballroom will pause to honor DWTS performers who have passed away with a special performance to Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way.”
Bergeron’s guest-judge stint will reunite him — at least for one night — with returning hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, plus judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Hough.
The celebration episode airs Tuesday, November 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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