Are Carrie Ann Inaba & Bruno Tonioli Leaving ‘DWTS’?

Will Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli continue to be judges on “Dancing With the Stars” for future seasons or are there plans to replace them? A “DWTS” executive producer gave some insight into whether or not the veteran judges might leave the show.

‘DWTS’ Producer Shares Hope That Carrie Ann Inaba & Bruno Tonioli Will Remain ‘DWTS’ Judges

In a May 2025 interview with Deadline, “Dancing With the Stars” executive producer Ryan O’Dowd shared his insider knowledge about Inaba and Tonioli’s future on the show.

The interviewer asked, “What is your longterm hope for the judge’s panel? Would you like to see Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba stay to the absolute end?”

O’Dowd didn’t indicate that either judge will be leaving anytime soon. 

“I think the panel we have now is one of the best mixes of everything you could want. And I think both Bruno and Carrie Ann have been such a huge part of growing the show over the years that I’m unbelievably grateful to still have ’em on the panel today,” he shared.

The producer was also asked whether or not “some of Bruno’s antics made your toes curl.”

O’Dowd shared that while Tonioli has had his over-the-top moments, it’s what makes him so much fun to watch.

“I will tell you, I have a five-year-old and a seven-year-old son, both of whom the next morning after every live show do Bruno impersonations,” O’Dowd shared. “He’s their absolute favorite. So yes, but that’s what makes Bruno Bruno. He keeps us all on our toes.”

The EP continued, “His wardrobe is always unbelievable and his antics are even more unbelievable. But that energy he brings, matches the energy of the performances. That is not easy to do. He’s a pro in his own right.”

Inaba & Tonioli Celebrate 20 Years on ‘DWTS’

The “Dancing With the Stars” 20th anniversary had Inaba and Tonioli feeling quite nostalgic. In honor of the big milestone on June 1, the two took to their Instagram accounts to celebrate and reflect.

“20 years ago today, I sat down for the first time with two men I had never met before.
Len Goodman and @brunotonioliofficial,” Inaba wrote. “My life was forever changed.✨🙏”

She shared, “It’s been an incredible journey of self discovery and a wonderful experience witnessing the unique intersection of dance and human nature, competition and shared experience, artistry and vulnerability. There has been nothing like it in my life.”

Tonioli shared a “DWTS” throwback photo of himself with Len Goodman and Inaba.

“On this day 20 years ago @dancingwiththestars #DWTS brought dancing 💃 back on prime time entertaining inspiring and still going strong 20 years young thank you to all our fans and millions of viewers for the continued support keep dancing,” he wrote in the caption.

Tonioli added, “Forever grateful can’t wait for next season ❤️ Bruno.”