If there's one thing Dancing with the Stars has stayed consistent with for the longest time, it's their judging panel. For the first 18 seasons, the late Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli gave their critiques and compliments to the pro dancers and celebrity contestants. Afterwards, Goodman was on the show on and off until he retired following his time on season 31. Though this happened, it proved that the competition series was committed to its judging panel. And it sounds like that will continue moving forward.
In an interview with Deadline, President of Unscripted TV at BBC Studios, the production company behind DWTS, Ryan O'Dowd was asked whether Inaba and Tonioli would stick around until the end - whenever that is. Here's what he told the news outlet:
"I think the panel we have now is one of the best mixes of everything you could want. And I think both Bruno and Carrie Ann have been such a huge part of growing the show over the years that I’m unbelievably grateful to still have ’em on the panel today."
We don't want to see any of the Dancing with the Stars judges go
As mentioned above, both judges have been with the reality show since the very first season. So they've definitely been a staple, and honestly with Goodman now gone I can't imagine watching the competition without either of them. Inaba brings strong critiques but in a way that's not off putting. Yes, she can be nit picky sometimes. Though that's what the judges are there for.
Tonioli usually also has great feedback for the celebrity contestants and their partners. Though it's his flair, costumes, and big personality that really shine and make him such an integral and memorable part of the judging panel. He brings some levity to what could be something serious the whole time, which I appreciate when watching.
The Dancing with the Stars judging panel currently includes Inaba, Tonioli, and former pro dancer Derek Hough. He has been one of the experts behind the table since joining in season 29. At that time, the show went on during the pandemic, so he filled in for Goodman who couldn't travel for the show. Then in seasons 30 and 31, Hough stayed on and was the fourth judge for the first time in the series' history. Following Goodman's retirement, Hough became a fixture and makes up the trio we see today.
I'm personally a big fan of Hough as a dancer, and a judge. He has the right personality for it, he's an amazingly talented dancer, and definitely has the expertise and wisdom to do the job right. I think all three judges also work reallly well and have the chemistry that's needed to make it work. As a fan, I also wouldn't want any changes to the judging panel to be made, so hopefully O'Dowd sticks to his word!
Dancing With the Stars season 34 is set to premiere in fall 2025 on ABC and Disney+.