Tom Bergeron reveals he was fired in 2020 over Sean Spicer casting, returns as guest judge

Tom Bergeron finally revealed why ABC fired him from Dancing with the Stars in 2020. He objected to Sean Spicer’s casting as a contestant. Now he’s returning as guest judge for the show’s 20th anniversary special on November 11, 2025. The beloved former host hosted the show for 28 seasons before his controversial exit five years ago.

What Happened: The Spicer Controversy

Tom Bergeron didn’t hold back when discussing his firing. In 2019, ABC announced that former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer would join season 28. Bergeron was unhappy immediately. He believed the show should stay apolitical. The casting violated what producers promised him earlier.

Bergeron met with showrunners in summer 2019. He explicitly warned against booking political figures of any party. Despite his clear concerns, producers cast Spicer anyway. Bergeron felt betrayed and lied to by the team. He publicly criticized the decision on social media.

“I said, ‘Guys, this is exactly what we said we weren’t going to do.'” — Tom Bergeron, describing his conversation with producers

Bergeron offered to sit out the season to avoid conflict. ABC countered by releasing him from his contract entirely. He accepted and left after 15 years hosting the beloved reality competition. Tyra Banks took over as the new host starting in 2020.

Why This Matters: Standing on Principle

Entertainment fans saw Bergeron‘s exit as a watershed moment for the show. He took a stand against what he believed was wrong. Many viewers supported his position. Politics had no place in a dancing competition, they argued.

The incident highlighted tension between creative vision and corporate decisions. Bergeron had a clear philosophy about the show’s purpose. He wanted viewers to escape from current events. Producers had different priorities. Five years later, Bergeron remains frustrated about how it all went down.

His return signals something important for the show too. ABC might be acknowledging that Bergeron was right. Bringing him back for the 20th anniversary feels like partial redemption. Fans have waited years for this moment.

The Details: Timeline and Key Events

Here’s the complete sequence of events surrounding Tom Bergeron’s firing and return:

Date	Event
August 2019	Sean Spicer announced as contestant for season 28.
Summer 2019	Bergeron meets with producers, warns against political figures.
August-September 2019	Bergeron publicly criticizes casting on Twitter and interviews.
July 2020	ABC announces Bergeron is leaving the show.
September 2020	Tyra Banks debuts as new host for season 29.
November 5, 2025	ABC announces Bergeron returning as guest judge.
November 11, 2025	20th anniversary special airs with Bergeron in ballroom.

Bergeron has spent the past five years speaking candidly about his experience. In October 2023, he detailed the firing extensively. He didn’t shy away from expressing anger. Many industry observers believe he was treated unfairly.

What To Watch For

Several things make Bergeron’s return especially noteworthy:

• Judging decisions: Will fans embrace Bergeron as a judge alongside Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli?
• Emotional moments: Expect the camera to catch Bergeron’s reactions and interactions with former colleagues.
• Future appearances: Will he become a regular guest judge, or is this a one-time special?
• Industry impact: Could his return signal a shift in how ABC values longtime talent?
• Fan reception: Will audiences give him a standing ovation when he appears?

Bergeron hinted that he enjoyed his time back on the show. The network seems genuinely pleased to have him return. This could be the beginning of a new chapter for both parties.

Will This Finally Close the Chapter on the Spicer Saga?

Tom Bergeron’s return raises one crucial question: Has everyone moved past the Sean Spicer controversy? Bergeron stood his ground five years ago. He refused to compromise his principles about the show’s purpose. ABC fired him over it.

Now the network is bringing him back for celebration. That’s a powerful statement. It suggests ABC recognizes Bergeron’s value and his original concerns were valid. The Dancing with the Stars brand depends on being welcoming and entertaining. Politics had no role in that mission.

Bergeron told reporters he was excited and emotional about returning. He called the ballroom his “happy place.” After five years away, stepping back into it must feel bittersweet. But the warmth of the moment seems genuine. Fans have been waiting for this day. Watch the November 11 anniversary special to see how it unfolds. Will Bergeron’s return mark true forgiveness, or just a temporary guest appearance?

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter – “Tom Bergeron Looks Back on ‘DWTS’ Firing, Explains Why He’s Returning” (November 2025)
• People Magazine – “Why Was Tom Bergeron Let Go from ‘Dancing with the Stars'” (November 2025)
• ABC News – “Tom Bergeron Returning as Guest Judge on Dancing with the Stars” (November 2025)