DWTS Shifts To Disney+

Disney, parent company of both ABC and Disney+, announced Friday that long-running reality hit "Dancing With the Stars" will move from its broadcast home to the streaming service starting with Season 31 in fall of 2022. 

USAToday reports Disney+ has picked up "Dancing" for at least two more seasons, and called it "the first live series to exclusively debut on a streaming service."

“'Dancing with the Stars' has entertained fans for 16 years on ABC, and we are excited to bring this beloved show exclusively to Disney+ as the platform’s first-ever live series,” said Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, in a news release. “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.”

At its ratings height it was one of the most watched shows on television. It is currently hosted by Tyra Banks and was previously hosted by Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.

The move represents the first time a truly major broadcast series has made the jump from linear television to a streaming service. Streaming services have previously picked up canceled or flagging series such as "Lucifer," which went from Fox to Netflix, but not many with the status of "Dancing," which averaged 5.4 million total viewers for its most recent season finale.  

The dance competition's big move to streaming comes during a period of rapid change for Disney+, as the relatively new streaming service attempts to boost stalling subscriber growth. The new season of "Dancing" will premiere around the same time Disney+ introduces an ad-supported tier that will be cheaper than its current ad-free plan, available at $7.99 a month or $79.99 annually. The streamer recently diversified its programming by adding distinctly un-family-friendly Marvel shows including "Daredevil" and "The Punisher," and beefing up parental controls.