As DWTS celebrates two decades, Bindi helped brother Robert pay tribute to their late father Steve Irwin on an incredible night of celebration, nostalgia, tears, and powerful dances as everyone stepped up their game -- so how do you send someone home

In November 2025, Dancing with the Stars stunned fans when they announced that Bergeron would be making his grand return as a guest judge — alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough — for the show's 20th anniversary episode on Nov. 11.

During his return as a guest judge, Tom Bergeron looked directly into the camera as he had a special message to ABC, as he said he wanted to talk directly to the network. Bergeron said, “This show is setting ratings records again, so next season, bring back the results show. Let the whole country vote, Let everybody vote.”

Tom was abruptly let go from the series in 2020, but why? Ahead of his highly anticipated return to the ballroom on November 11, 2025, here’s what we know about Tom’s departure.

Bergeron made his emotional return in honor of the reality show's 20th anniversary. The Dancing With the Stars extended family just regained a cherished member. Tom Bergeron made his grand return to the ballroom five years after his shocking exit to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show's debut on ABC.

Dancing with the Stars celebrated its 20th anniversary on ABC, and to mark the special occasion, it welcomed back a slew of iconic stars.

Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Episode 9 aired on November 11, 2025. The latest episode featured the dancing show's 20th anniversary celebrations. Tom Bergeron marked his return as the guest judge.