Current Hosts of Dancing with the Stars
The current primary host of Dancing with the Stars is Alfonso Ribeiro, who has led the show on ABC since 2023. He is joined by co-host Tyra Banks, who returned to the franchise in the 2024 season to handle backstage interviews and audience interaction. The program is produced by BBC Studios and executive produced in part by executive producers linked to the network and production company. For broader context on the network behind the show, see the official ABC network overview here.
Ribeiro is known for his role as Carlton Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and for winning the third season of Dancing with the Stars itself. Banks, a former model and business executive, previously hosted the show from 2005 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2019. Their combined hosting style focuses on contestant stories, scoring updates, and live viewer voting mechanics. The show remains one of the highest-rated reality competition series on American broadcast television.
Past Hosts and Long-Running Figures
Tom Bergeron hosted Dancing with the Stars from 2005 to 2019, establishing the show's early format and on-air tone. He was paired with co-hosts including Samantha Harris and Erin Andrews during his tenure. Julie Chen Moonves served as a primary host during the show's initial run on ABC, while Lisa Canning was the original host in the first season. The program's hosting structure has evolved across networks, including a period on Disney+ with a rebooted format.
Before Bergeron, the original version of the show, called Strictly Come Dancing, aired in the United Kingdom with hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly. The American adaptation launched in 2005 under executive producers who shaped the celebrity-dancer pairing format. Over the seasons, the show has featured guest hosts and rotating judges, but the main host role has remained central to audience engagement. The franchise is now managed by BBC Studios, with production teams coordinating live broadcasts and international versions.
Host Roles and Show Format
The host of Dancing with the Stars is responsible for introducing performances, interviewing dancers and celebrities backstage, and guiding the audience through voting results. The co-host typically handles social media integration, behind-the-scenes content, and real-time updates during the live show. Judges such as Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Len Goodman have historically provided scores that the host then summarizes for viewers.
Production details for the show are managed by BBC Studios in partnership with ABC, with filming typically taking place in Los Angeles. The series has been renewed for multiple seasons, with casting announcements made months before each premiere. Audience participation relies on a combination of live phone votes and digital platforms, with results announced by the host during the finale. For information on the production company behind the franchise, see the BBC Studios overview here.