Julianne Hough and Bruno Tonioli Reflect on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Early Struggles as a TV Show

More than 20 years after “Dancing With the Stars” first premiered, Julianne Hough and Bruno Tonioli are recalling the doubts that surrounded the ballroom competition series before it became one of television’s biggest reality franchises.

“Dancing With the Stars” has become one of ABC’s longest-running and most recognizable reality competition series, but according to longtime judge Bruno Tonioli and host Julianne Hough, the show almost never got off the ground.

Julianne Hough attends the 2026 Disney Upfront at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on May 12, 2026 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

While attending the Disney 2026 Upfront in New York City on May 12, both stars reflected on the skepticism surrounding the series when it first launched in 2005. At the time, the idea of celebrities competing in ballroom dancing on primetime television did not seem like an obvious success story.

Hough admitted that many people doubted audiences would embrace the concept.

“I mean, this show got turned down so many times at the beginning, because people were like, a ballroom dancing show? Like, what? Is that really a thing?” Hough told PEOPLE exclusively.

Carrie Ann Inaba, Alfonso Ribeiro, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, and Bruno Tonioli on the set of "Dancing with The Stars" on November 25, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

The Show Faced Doubts Before Its Premiere

When “Dancing With the Stars” debuted in June 2005, the series introduced a format that paired celebrities with professional ballroom dancers who competed weekly in front of a live audience and a judging panel.

The original judging lineup featured Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and the late Len Goodman. The first celebrity cast included Kelly Monaco, John O’Hurley, Joey McIntyre, Rachel Hunter, Evander Holyfield, and Trista Sutter.

Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro on May 12, 2026 at North Javitz in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Monaco eventually won the first season, helping the show establish itself as a breakout hit.

Still, Tonioli remembered how uncertain television executives and industry insiders were before the premiere.

“It was May 2005, and at the time… Andrea Wong was running ABC, and Bob Iger was working there as well, and I know the story,” Tonioli revealed. “They told me the story. And everybody was saying, ‘This is never gonna work. They’re crazy.’”

According to Tonioli, Wong ultimately supported the project and helped move the series forward despite the criticism surrounding the unconventional format.

The early uncertainty did not last long. Within a short time, “Dancing With the Stars” became one of the biggest programs on television and developed a loyal audience.

“Next year, we were up there with American Idol — I could not believe it,” Tonioli admitted.

A Formula That Connected With Viewers

Part of the show’s success came from the emotional storytelling attached to the performances. Unlike standard talent competitions, “Dancing With the Stars” focused not only on dancing ability but also on personal growth, vulnerability, and audience connection.

Celebrities often entered the competition with little or no ballroom experience, allowing viewers to follow their progress week after week.

Over time, the series also gave professional dancers a major television platform and helped several become stars in their own right.

Tonioli believes the authenticity behind the competition helped the series remain successful for more than two decades.

“The reason it lasted, and it still is, is because it is a show that has a beating heart — it’s not fake. We really do it because we love it,” the 70-year-old choreographer explained.

He also said the production team consistently worked to improve the show each season rather than relying on past success.

“And…we always push the bar. We always make it better. And the audience really responds to that,” Tonioli added. “We are really there 100%...We are there with our hearts beating. I think people get that. They get the truth.”

Julianne Hough Says the Series Continues to Evolve

Hough joined “Dancing With the Stars” in 2007 as a professional dancer and quickly became one of the show’s breakout stars. She later returned as a judge and eventually stepped into hosting duties.

According to Hough, the program’s continued popularity comes from its focus on transformation and family connection.

“To see that it’s been around not only just, like, survived 20 years, but is now thriving more than it ever has, it just goes to show that, like, when you stay in authenticity and integrity of what this show is — which is craftsmanship, just rooting for people to grow and succeed, and go on the journey of transformation, and keep that family experience — that’s timeless,” Hough said.

Over the years, the show has adapted to changes in television viewing habits while maintaining many of the elements that originally attracted audiences.

The Franchise Is Expanding Again

As the original series continues, the franchise is preparing for another expansion with the upcoming premiere of “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.”

The spinoff series is scheduled to debut July 13, 2026, on ABC and Hulu.

Season 34 winner Robert Irwin will host the new competition, which follows 12 dancers competing for a professional spot on season 35 of “Dancing With the Stars.”

The new project marks another chapter for a franchise that began with considerable uncertainty more than 20 years ago.

Even after decades on the air, both stars believe the heart of “Dancing With the Stars” remains the same as it was in the beginning: real people putting themselves on stage and taking risks in front of millions of viewers.