Tom Bergeron’s Enthusiastic Endorsement: Alfonso Ribeiro and Conrad Green Poised to Revitalize Dancing With the Stars
The ballroom is buzzing with excitement, and none are more thrilled than former long-standing host, Tom Bergeron. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Bergeron shared his profound enthusiasm regarding the return of Alfonso Ribeiro as co-host and original showrunner Conrad Green to the iconic competition series, Dancing With the Stars. Bergeron, who graced the DWTS stage for an impressive 28 seasons, believes these significant changes will steer the show back to its golden era, promising a familiar and cherished feel for its dedicated fanbase.
Speaking at the Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine tribute event for the late Bob Saget on September 22, Bergeron articulated his positive outlook. “I’m very excited about that,” he told HollywoodLife, emphasizing the dual impact of Ribeiro’s on-screen presence and Green’s behind-the-scenes expertise. “Between Alfonso being there and my original showrunner Conrad Green, I think the two of them together will bring that show back to the kind of feel it should.” This statement resonated deeply with fans who have followed the show’s evolution, hinting at a desire for a return to the show’s foundational charm and authentic spirit that Bergeron himself helped cultivate for nearly three decades. This sentiment suggests a move towards emphasizing the artistry of dance and the personal journeys of the contestants, core elements that defined the show’s initial success and garnered its massive following.
A Legacy of Hosting: From Bergeron to Banks to Ribeiro
Tom Bergeron’s departure from Dancing With the Stars ahead of season 29 marked a significant shift for the show, as he was replaced by model and entrepreneur Tyra Banks. After 28 memorable seasons, Bergeron’s absence was keenly felt by many viewers who had grown accustomed to his witty banter and comforting presence. However, the landscape of DWTS hosting has once again evolved with the introduction of Alfonso Ribeiro as Tyra Banks’ new co-host for season 31. Ribeiro is no stranger to the DWTS family, having triumphed as the winner of season 19 alongside professional partner Witney Carson. His deep connection to the show, both as a contestant and now as a host, brings a unique perspective and an invaluable layer of authenticity to the role. Bergeron himself confirmed that Ribeiro extended the courtesy of a phone call before the official announcement, highlighting the mutual respect and camaraderie that exists between the two seasoned entertainers.
“We had a great talk about it. We really did, and he knows he has my blessing,” Tom affirmed, underscoring the seamless transition and the genuine approval he bestowed upon his successor. This gesture is particularly significant given Ribeiro’s history of stepping into Bergeron’s shoes, most notably taking over hosting duties for America’s Funniest Home Videos after Tom’s retirement from that show. This previous hand-off established a precedent of trust and camaraderie, making Ribeiro’s move to DWTS co-host feel like a natural and well-supported progression within the entertainment industry. The blessing from Bergeron serves not only as an endorsement but also as a symbolic passing of the torch, reassuring fans that the show’s legacy is in capable hands, guided by individuals who understand its essence.
Alfonso Ribeiro: From Champion Dancer to Engaging Co-Host
Alfonso Ribeiro’s journey from champion dancer to co-host embodies the very spirit of Dancing With the Stars. His infectious energy, quick wit, and genuine passion for the ballroom have always made him a fan favorite. As a contestant, he captivated audiences with his charismatic performances, culminating in a well-deserved Mirrorball Trophy win. Now, as he stands in the skybox, interviewing contestants and their partners, Ribeiro brings an insider’s understanding to the role. He knows the pressure, the joy, and the dedication required to compete, allowing him to connect with the participants on a deeper, more empathetic level. This empathy and shared experience are crucial for fostering a supportive and engaging atmosphere, which Tom Bergeron likely alludes to when he speaks of the show returning to its “kind of feel.” Ribeiro’s presence adds a layer of warmth and familiarity that resonates with long-time viewers, promising to enhance the overall viewing experience and bring an authentic perspective to the weekly challenges and triumphs of the celebrity dancers.
Conrad Green’s Return: Reclaiming the Show’s Original Vision
The return of Conrad Green, the original showrunner, alongside Alfonso Ribeiro, is a detail that has garnered significant attention, particularly from veterans like Tom Bergeron. Green was instrumental in shaping Dancing With the Stars into the cultural phenomenon it became during its early seasons. His vision for the show’s structure, pacing, and overall tone established the beloved format that captured millions of viewers. Bergeron’s comment about bringing the show “back to the kind of feel it should” strongly implies a desire to revisit the core elements that made DWTS a household name. Green’s expertise means a potential re-emphasis on the dance, the journeys of the stars, and the emotional connections formed, rather than solely focusing on external drama or other distractions. This strategic move suggests a commitment to refining the show’s essence and restoring elements that may have been diluted over time, much to the anticipation of its loyal audience eagerly awaiting a refreshed yet familiar experience.
DWTS Embraces Streaming: Season 31 on Disney+
Season 31 of Dancing With the Stars marked another pivotal moment in the show’s history by premiering exclusively on Disney+. This transition made DWTS the first live series to air on the streaming service, signaling a bold step into the evolving landscape of television consumption. The move to Disney+ offers both opportunities and challenges for the venerable franchise. It potentially opens the show to a younger, digitally native audience while also making it more accessible to viewers who prefer on-demand content and live streaming convenience. Alfonso Ribeiro, with his dynamic and adaptable hosting style, was right at home in the DWTS skybox during this inaugural streaming season. His effortless interviews with contestants and their professional partners demonstrated his innate ability to connect, whether on traditional broadcast television or a cutting-edge streaming platform. The successful launch on Disney+ further solidifies the show’s enduring appeal and its capacity to adapt to new technologies while maintaining its entertainment value and live excitement.
A Heartfelt Tribute: Remembering Bob Saget
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, Tom Bergeron recently gathered with a multitude of friends and widowKelly Rizzo to honor the profound legacy of the beloved comedian, Bob Saget. Bob Saget, known for his roles in Full House and as host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, tragically and suddenly passed away in January 2022 from accidental blunt head trauma, leaving a gaping void in the entertainment world. Bergeron and Saget shared a friendship that spanned many years, forged through shared experiences in television and a deep mutual respect. The Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine tribute event served as a poignant reminder of Bob’s immense contributions not only to comedy but also to philanthropic causes, particularly his tireless efforts for the Scleroderma Research Foundation, a cause he championed with unwavering dedication.
“It means a lot to celebrate his life and the wonderful work he did with his organization [the Scleroderma Research Foundation], but also, he was a friend,” Tom conveyed to HollywoodLife. He fondly remembered their unique bond, referring to themselves as “Video brothers from another mother” due to their shared tenure on America’s Funniest Home Videos. Bergeron recalled a particularly cherished memory where the Cool Comedy Hot Cuisine event, some years prior, was the very setting where he first tried to persuade Saget to co-host the 25th anniversary of AFV with him – an endeavor that ultimately proved successful. “We had a wonderful time, so this has a lot of wonderful resonance for me,” Bergeron shared, reflecting on the layers of personal and professional history intertwined with the event, making the tribute even more significant for him.
Reflecting further on his cherished memories of Bob, Tom highlighted the comedian’s authentic and multifaceted personality. He admired the times when Bob was simply “being a wiseass and mensch, too.” Bergeron observed that anyone who knew Bob only from his stand-up comedy act might find him strikingly different from his wholesome portrayal on AFV or Full House. However, Tom insisted that these seemingly disparate personas were, in fact, integral parts of the same individual. “He wasn’t,” Bergeron stated definitively, challenging the perception of a split personality. “He was a well-rounded entertainer and a very sweet man.” This powerful testament from a close friend paints a complete picture of Bob Saget: a comedic genius with a sharp wit, a compassionate humanitarian, and a genuinely kind soul whose absence is still deeply felt by those who knew and loved him, and by the countless fans he entertained throughout his remarkable career.
The Future of Dancing With the Stars: A Return to Roots?
With the seasoned expertise of Conrad Green and the dynamic presence of Alfonso Ribeiro, coupled with the unwavering support of Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars appears to be charting a course back towards its beloved roots while simultaneously embracing modern distribution methods via Disney+. The combination of Green’s foundational vision and Ribeiro’s contestant-turned-host perspective promises a blend of classic charm and contemporary appeal. Fans are hopeful that this new chapter will re-energize the competition, focusing on the artistry of dance, the personal growth of the stars, and the genuine camaraderie that has always been at the heart of the show. Tom Bergeron’s enthusiastic blessing serves as a powerful indicator that the show he helped build is moving in a direction he approves of, aiming to recapture the magic that made it a television staple for so many years and ensure its continued success for a new generation of viewers.