Who Produces and Broadcasts Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars is produced by BBC Studios Global Entertainment (formerly BBC Worldwide Americas) in the United States in association with Eureka Productions and stars a rotating cast of professional dancers and celebrity contestants. The U.S. version airs on ABC, a Disney-owned broadcast network, and is distributed internationally through BBC Studios’ global network. Filming typically takes place on soundstages in Los Angeles, most often at the Raleigh Studios complex in Hollywood, allowing for controlled environment and consistent logistics. The show is created by and licenses format elements from BBC Studios, which licenses the format to local broadcasters around the world who adapt it with their own production partners and venues.
Key Production and Broadcast Partners
- U.S. broadcaster: ABC (Disney)
- Production companies: BBC Studios Global Entertainment and Eureka Productions
- International format licensor: BBC Studios
- Typical U.S. filming location: Raleigh Studios, Los Angeles, California
How the Format Is Licensed and Adapted Globally
Because the core question of who hosts Dancing with the Stars depends on territory, the answer varies by region but follows a consistent pattern: the format is licensed by BBC Studios to national broadcasters, who then select local production companies and venues. In each market, the licensed broadcaster becomes the on-air host of the show, while local producers manage partners, venues, and talent. This model allows the same format to be hosted under different brand names around the world, from Strictly Come Dancing in the United Kingdom to other regional adaptations licensed through BBC Studios.
Territory-Based Hosting Examples
| Territory | On-Air Host (Network) | Typical Production Company | Typical Filming Venue or City |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ABC | BBC Studios Global Entertainment, Eureka Productions | Raleigh Studios, Los Angeles, California |
| United Kingdom | BBC One | BBC Studios Entertainment Productions and local production partners | BBC Elstree Centre, Borehamwood, England |
| Australia | Seven Network | Endemol Shine Australia and local partners | Docklands Studios Melbourne or Sydney venues |
| Germany | Das Erste (ARD) | Fremantle and local producers | Studio Hamburg or other regional studios |
Venue Selection and Production Logistics
From a production standpoint, host venues are chosen for technical capabilities, space for the dance floor and audience seating, and ease of access for cameras and lighting. In the United States, Raleigh Studios in Los Angeles provides multiple soundstages and consistent infrastructure, which helps maintain a reliable weekly schedule. International hosts may use historic theaters, convention centers, or dedicated broadcast studios depending on local infrastructure. The choice of venue affects everything from sightlines and acoustics to the ability to manage complex live elements, including the band or DJ, lighting, and live audience safety.
Partners, Sponsors, and Executive Oversight
Dancing with the Stars involves layered partnerships, including the network, production company, executive producers, creative directors, and a rotating set of sponsors. Executive producers and showrunners from BBC Studios and the local production company typically oversee format compliance, judging criteria, and safety standards, while network executives manage scheduling, marketing, and prime-time positioning. Sponsors and partners influence set design, music licensing, and promotional integrations, but do not control editorial decisions related to judging or contestant safety. This multi-party structure allows the show to scale across territories while preserving a consistent on-air experience.
International Adaptations and Consistent Format Rules
Local versions of Dancing with the Stars must adhere to format rules that BBC Studios licenses, including scoring methodology, dance styles, and elimination formats, ensuring a recognizable experience no matter which network airs it. National broadcasters retain autonomy over casting, scheduling, and local sponsorship, which means the specific host network and venue can differ significantly from one country to another. Despite these differences, core elements—live judging, audience voting, progressive elimination, and themed weeks—remain consistent, providing a durable format that has sustained the show across decades and markets.