New season, same judges! Dancing with the Stars has officially announced that Carrie Ann Inaba , Bruno Tonioli , and Derek Hough will be returning as judges for the upcoming Season 33.
The announcement was made on DWTS ' Instagram account on August 13. The caption read, "It’s a 10 from us! 🤩 We’re thrilled to have @CarrieAnnInaba, @BrunoTonioliOfficial, and @DerekHough back as our judges when #DWTS premieres Tuesday, Sept 17 on ABC and Disney+! Stream on Hulu."
Related: Everything to Know About Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Carrie Ann commented on the announcement, writing, "Honored to be back❤️and looking forward to an incredible season 33 of @dancingwiththestars ! 💃🏻🕺🏽🪩. See you all soon! 😘😘😘." Alfonso Ribiero , Season 19 winner and co-host of the show since Season 31, also wrote, "Best judges for the best show."
While having all three judges back is now official, it came as no surprise. Carrie Ann and Bruno have been with the stalwart reality series since its very first season back in 2005. And, as we are approaching the epic 25th anniversary of the ABC show, neither have expressed their desire to leave any time soon.
Derek brings a unique perspective as a judge, considering his long-running history with DWTS . He started on the show as a professional dancer, competing in 17 of the first 23 seasons. He made history, taking home six wins with his various celebrity partners, and is seen as one of the greatest pros the show has ever had. Derek has also won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Choreography out of a whopping 14 nominations.
Related: Here's the Rumored Cast for Dancing with the Stars Season 33
After retiring from the show in Season 23, Derek returned to DWTS in Season 29 in 2020 under a very different role. The pandemic had restricted travel between the United States and the United Kingdom, where then-head judge Len Goodman was based. Derek was asked to step in in Len's place, taking up the middle spot on the panel.
His initial season went over like gangbusters, and Derek was kept on the panel, even when Len returned to the series for Seasons 30 and 31. After Len's retirement from the show and subsequent death, Derek was named the interim head judge. We also got double the Houghs when Derek's sister Julianne Hough , a two-time winning pro and even a judge for five seasons, returned last year as co-host.
With ABC officially announcing the judges, Season 33 is becoming more of a reality. We're a little over a month away from the September 17 premiere, and so far there has been no statement about any dancers this season, be they professional or celebrity. But that certainly hasn't stopped the internet from speculating about which stars may be donning dancing shoes this fall. And we look forward to Carrie Ann, Bruno, and Derek judging them all.
Next, check out which 2024 Olympics standouts we think should be on Dancing with the Stars .
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