Dancing With the Stars makes surprise jump from ABC to Disney+ in the US

Dancing With the Stars has aired for 30 seasons on ABC

Long-running competition series Dancing With the Stars, which has aired on Disney-owned US network ABC for the past 16 years, is making a surprise move to streamer Disney+ for its forthcoming seasons.

The popular entertainment format was renewed for two additional seasons, with the first of those set to launch on Disney+ in the fall in the US. The show, which has racked up 30 seasons on ABC, will also move to Disney+ in Canada.

This will mark the first time a live series has debuted on Disney’s streaming service. It has long been debated how the major streaming services would attempt to approach live, shiny-floor formats with an audience voting element.

Disney said Dancing With the Stars, which airs on Monday nights, was moving to make way for American football games and so that the network could develop and invest in new and future programming.

“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,” said Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution.

Dancing With the Stars, which is based on UK format Strictly Come Dancing, is produced in front of a live crowd by the LA-based production arm of BBC Studios. It will also continue to be overseen Rob Mills and the Walt Disney Television Alternative team.

Valerie Bruce, general manager of BBC Studios, Los Angeles Productions, said: “The fact that our iconic global format Dancing With the Stars will now set the record as the first live series on Disney+ represents a major growth opportunity and a bold next step forward in the evolution of the franchise.”