Dancing with the StarsCelebrates 500 Episodes With a Tear-Jerking Tribute to Len Goodman (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Dancing with the Starsis marking a milestone achievement!

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the longtime competitive dance show will reach its 500th episode and in PEOPLE’s exclusive look back at the show’s most iconic moments, ABC is celebrating the stars, pros and judges who made the feat possible.

“For nearly 20 years,Dancing with the Starshas captivated us all, and Tuesday, we’ll celebrate our 500 episode together,” a voiceover narrates as the video flashes back to 2005 and speeds up to 2024.

The short clip features some of the show’s most iconic moments and viral celebrity performances includingJoJo Siwa,Charli D’Amelioand current contestantDwight Howard’s. Familiar faces are also treated with a blast from the past as shots of hostAlfonso Ribeiroand judgeDerek Houghcompeting play on screen.

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Dancing With the Stars/Instagram

Dancing With the Stars/Instagram

“21 Emmys, 394 stars, 51 pros and 32 winners,” the voiceover continues over photos of contestants celebrating their victories.

“Spectacular!” late judgeLen Goodman’s voice resonates on screen as he blows a kiss to the winning couple. The retrospective suddenly grows emotional as a photo of Goodman flashes over the video.

The mirrorball trophy.Eric McCandless via Getty

Eric McCandless via Getty

As dancers hit striking poses and fly across the stage, judgeBruno Tonioliexclaims, “Another hit!” whileCarrie Ann Inabaremarks, “We’ve seen moves this ballroom has never seen!”

“Join us in celebrating 500 episodes ofDancing with the Stars,” the voiceover continues as the crowd cheers.

On April 22, 2024,Goodman diedfrom bone cancer while in hospice care in Kent, England. He was 78.

Len Goodman holds up a 10 on ‘Dancing with the Stars’.Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty

In addition to his beloved role onDWTSas head judge, the U.K.-born television personality was also a head judge onStrictly Come Dancing, the British version of the dance competition series. The show ran from 2004 until 2016 and Goodman appeared on all seasons.

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Dancing with the Starsairs Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on ABC.

source: people.com