Dancing with the Stars definitely won't be returning to ABC's broadcast schedule in early 2019.
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The network's lineup of mid-season programming announcements stretches from early January 2019 to early June 2019.
ABC's announcement confirms what Dancing with the Stars host Tom Bergeron had already said about the series' return last month.
Bergeron had revealed on social media there was "no official renewal yet" for Dancing with the Stars' 28th season.
"Please tell me we get a spring season!!" a fan tweeted at Bergeron in mid-November.
"Doubt it," Bergeron replied on November 18.
Although Dancing with the Stars has a long history of airing spring and fall seasons every year, it now appears the show will likely not return until Fall 2019.
When a fan asked Bergeron if Dancing with the Stars will air next fall or be "gone forever," the host replied on social media, "ABC has authorized us to say, 'See you next year' but exactly when is, as yet, undetermined."
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The hiatus, however, isn't much of a surprise given what already happened this past spring, when ABC aired an abbreviated four-week "athletes edition" due to The Bachelor and American Idol's broadcast schedule.
Since The Bachelor and American Idol will be returning in January and March 2019, respectively, the same issue will exist for the network this coming spring.
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The Bachelor's 23rd season will premiere January 7 and air in Dancing with the Stars' usual Monday night time period through March 11, according to Deadline, after which American Idol is expected to take over the time period beginning March 18.
In addition, Season 27 of Dancing with the Stars averaged about 20% fewer viewers than last year's averaged, giving ABC another reason to delay the franchise's next season.
While the fate of Dancing with the Stars seemingly depends on ratings and ABC's other reality shows, some viewers are speculating the show is taking a break due to Bobby Bones and partner Sharna Burgess' controversial win of Season 27.
Bobby was one of the lowest-scoring couples on Dancing with the Stars all season long, yet he managed to walk away with the mirrorball trophy.
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Bobby and Sharna's victory therefore sparked backlash from fans, who are demanding ABC change or improve its voting system.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski
