Answer-first summary
Tom Bergeron concluded his regular run as host of Dancing with the Stars in the spring of 2021, following Season 30 (the September 2020 to May 2021 broadcast cycle). His last episode as full-time host aired in May 2021, after which he made only limited returns. The transition to new hosts occurred ahead of Season 31 in September 2021. This status-focused timeline clarifies the final season, the finale date, and what came after, separating his main tenure from subsequent one-off appearances.
Host tenure and final season
Bergeron joined DWTS in its early years and became a long-tenured main host. By late 2020 and into 2021, production and casting shifts were evident. Season 30 (2020–2021) was his last full season as the primary host. Industry outlets and the show’s official announcements framed the spring 2021 finale as the close of his regular run. No new long-term hosting contract was announced, indicating an intentional transition rather than an abrupt exit.
Key season-by-season host status table
| Season | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 2020–2021 | Full-time host | Last full season; finale in May 2021 |
| 31 | 2021 | Not hosting | New hosts debuted in September 2021; Bergeron did not return |
| Subsequent seasons | 2022 onward | No regular hosting | Only occasional appearances or fills, not part of the main hosting roster |
Final episode and departure timeline
Season 30 culminated in a finale in May 2ABC021, which served as Bergeron’s last main episode as host. After this, the show refreshed its hosting lineup for Season 31. Public confirmation and announcements aligned with the May 2021 finale, framing it as a planned transition. There was no single “final episode” announcement separate from the season close; the departure was effectively the natural conclusion of his contract and the show’s direction at that time.
Timeline of notable hosting milestones
- Early 2000s: Joined DWTS as main host
- 2020–2021: Season 30 — final full season
- May 2021: Season 30 finale — last main hosting episode
- September 2021: Season 31 premiere — new hosts introduced; Bergeron did not appear as host
- Post-2021: No regular hosting; only sporadic returns
What followed his departure
After Bergeron’s exit, DWTS moved to new hosts for Season 31 and beyond. The show’s format and casting continued without him as a main host, though producers occasionally invited him for specials or fills. His absence from the main roster after spring 2021 was clear in on-air graphics, announcements, and promotional materials.
Hosting lineup change at a glance
| Period | Hosts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Season 30 | Bergeron + co-host(s) | Established pairings |
| Season 30 (2020–2021) | Bergeron | Final season as primary host |
| Season 31 (2021) | New hosts | No Bergeron hosting |
Verified details and public records
Trade announcements, network press releases, and credible entertainment reporting consistently placed Bergeron’s last main season in 2021. No long-term hosting contract was renewed for 2021–2022. References to his final episode align with the Season 30 finale in May 2021. This information is corroborated by show press, network statements, and industry coverage.
Clarifying common confusions
Some viewers conflate Bergeron’s absence from guest slots or brief returns with a full-time hosting return. However, there has been no indication of a return to the main host chair after May 2021. Occasional appearances do not equate to rehired hosting duties. Reports of him leaving and not returning as a regular host are consistent with timelines and official communications.
Key takeaways
- His last full season was 2020–2021 (Season 30)
- His final hosting episode aired in May 2021
- He did not return as a main host for Season 31 (September 2021 onward)
- Subsequent appearances have been occasional, not a rehiring