'Dancing with the Stars': Julianne Hough to host, replacing Tyra Banks

Julianne Hough is ready to take the stage on "Dancing with the Stars" – this time as a co-host.

The two-time "DWTS" champion, who previously served as a judge and professional on the show, will take over for Tyra Banks, who started hosting in 2020.

USA TODAY has reached out to ABC for comment.

Controversial co-host Banks is leaving the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.

"Dancing with the Stars," which streams on Disney+, took to Twitter Monday to announce its new co-host, serving alongside Alfonso Ribeiro, who joined the show last year.

"We are so excited to welcome @juliannehough as co-host of #DWTS Season 32 along with @alfonso_ribeiro!" DWTS wrote, sharing an image of Ribeiro, 55, next to a photo of Hough, 34.

Hough also took to social media Monday to share the news.

"It is such an honor to be rejoining 'Dancing with the Stars' as co-host," Hough wrote on Instagram, sharing the quote she gave Variety about the hosting changes.

Hough won the fourth and fifth seasons of "DWTS" with speed skater Olympian Apolo Ohno and racing driver Helio Castroneves, respectively. As a professional dancer on the show, her list of dance partners also included country artist Chuck Wicks and actor Cody Linley.

She was a judge on the show between 2014 and 2017 and was a guest judge in 2021.

Banks joined "DWTS" in 2020 as the program's first Black female host and the first person to host the program solo.

Her three-year run wasn't exactly smooth. From her early episodes, Twitter critics denounced her performance and called for the return of Tom Bergeron, who hosted the series since its 2005 debut, and Erin Andrews, who entered the ballroom for Season 18 in 2014, until Banks was named host.

"Change is hard, change is complicated, change is painful sometimes," she told USA TODAY in 2020. "So I respect their challenge with change, but I also respect the multiple millions more people that are coming and watching the show with the changes too."

"DWTS" has had other recent staffing changes: In November, professional dancer Cheryl Burke announced her departure, and Mark Ballas shared his decision to leave earlier this month. Judge Len Goodman said he would be exiting after Season 31, as well.

Hough's resume update comes on the heels of other shows changes. Last year, the ballroom dancing competition show relocated to its current home to streaming on Disney+, after years of live airing on ABC.

While Hough's history with "DWTS" is long, it's not her only experience with reality television.

She was a judge on "America's Got Talent" until her 2019 exited, around the same time former judge Gabrielle Union left, after a report from Variety surfaced citing "toxic culture" on set.

And Hough apologized for criticism surrounded the scrapped TV reality "The Activist," after public backlash for turning activism into a competition.

Hough, who was slated to serve as a co-host along with Priyanka Chopra and Usher, said at the time that the show "missed the mark."

"I heard you say that the show was performative, promoted pseudo-activism over real activism, felt done-deaf, like 'Black Mirror,' 'The Hunger Games,' and that the hosts weren't qualified to assess activism because we are celebrities and not activists," she wrote.

Hough also addressed her own controversial past: She wore blackface while dressing as Uzo Aduba's "Orange Is the New Black" character, known as "Crazy Eyes," for Halloween in 2013.

"Wearing blackface was a poor choice based on my own white privilege and white body bias that hurt people and is something that I regret doing to this day," she said. "However, the regret that I live with pales in comparison to the lived experiences of so many. My commitment has been to reflect and act differently."

Contributing: Jenna Ryu, Erin Jensen, Bryan Alexander

Tyra Banks is new host of 'Dancing With the Stars,' replacing Tom ...

Supermodel and businesswoman Tyra Banks will be the new host of "Dancing With the Stars," the ABC reality dance competition revealed Tuesday, one day after announcing it was parting ways with current hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews.

Banks, 46, chatted about her new gig with Amy Robach on "Good Morning America" Wednesday.

"I am excited about hosting and executive producing," she shared on the morning program. "Getting in there, live TV. You never know what happens on live TV."

She also reflected on being a part of the show's milestones. She will be the program's first Black female host and the first person to host the program solo.

“I like breaking those doors down so that we don’t have any more firsts, but it’s nice to be first, right?" she said. "So that you can open that door and let so many other people in after you. So, I’m excited, yeah."

She promised the show's 29th season, currently scheduled for this fall, would be "so next level."

Banks paid respect to the beloved, departing veteran Bergeron, who has been with "DWTS" for all 28 seasons, earning 11 Emmy nominations, winning one, in a statement released by ABC and production group BBC Studios Tuesday.

"Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy," said Banks.

Hosts Tom Bergeron, Erin Andrews:Will be replaced on 'Dancing With the Stars'

Bergeron tweeted Monday that he had been informed the dance show would be "continuing without me."

"It's been an incredible 15 year run and the most unexpected gift of my career," Bergeron wrote. "I'm grateful for that and for the lifelong friendships made. That said, now what am I supposed to do with all of these glitter masks?"

Andrews, the one-time contestant who has co-hosted since 2014, tweeted her farewell Tuesday, saying, "I will always cherish my days on the set, even if I wasn't the best at walking in heels."

"DWTS" executives cited a "creative new direction" as reasoning for the cha on Monday. On Tuesday, they honored the passing of the host torch.

"Tom has been an integral part of the ABC family for nearly two decades," said Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment in the statement. "We are grateful for all he and Erin have done to make 'Dancing' a success."

Banks hosted and executive produced "America’s Next Top Model" and "The Tyra Banks Show" and held a two-year stint hosting NBC's talent competition "America’s Got Talent." As executive producer Banks will work with "DWTS' executive producer and showrunner Andrew Llinares to spark a “creative refresh” planned for the 29th season "while honoring the show," according to the release.

Contributing: Erin Jensen

'DWTS' on Disney+ streaming marks big change; will dance show ...

"Dancing With the Stars" fans were not alone in wondering the deeper meaning after Disney rumbled the ballroom floor by announcing in April that the reality competition was moving from its ABC home of 30 seasons to the Disney+ streaming service.

Six-time Mirrorball champion Derek Hough, the show's biggest star and judge, pondered the same question.

"My initial reaction after hearing the news was, 'Oh!' and then, 'So what does this mean?' That really was the question," Hough says. "And then honestly, after that, it became excitement."

The ballroom smiles will be fixed as the pro dancers take the floor with their celebrity partners when "DWTS" kicks off its 31st season Monday night on Disney+ (8 EDT/ 5 PDT), the first live series to premiere on a streaming service.

But the looming question remains whether the seismic streaming move is a glorious new beginning or the music starting for the final "DWTS" tango – the glitzy show that premiered in 2005 and once featured spray tans and sparkling ratings on two prime-time ABC weeknights.

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The streamer shocker:'Dancing With the Stars' moves from ABC to Disney+

The historic move – Disney+ has signed on for at least two seasons – is being scrutinized by fans and streaming competitors alike, says Brian Hughes, managing director of audience intelligence and strategy at ad firm Magna. Everyone is watching to see if the show's older fans make the move to a streaming service, and if the younger viewers more familiar with Disney+ will tune in.

"It's very much in wait-and-see mode to see how this pans out. This is a live thing, not a Marvel movie," Hughes says. "What we're seeing is the future of TV, with everyone using apps instead of TV. But will people actually tune in now? It's very much TBD."

Conrad Green, the original "DWTS" executive producer who left in 2014, has returned for the landmark transition and exudes all the confidence of Maks Chmerkovskiy ripping his shirt off during a steamy samba.

"This is the beginning of a new beginning," says Green of the new home on Disney+, which will bring "DWTS" to about 44.5 million homes in the U.S. and Canada, compared with the 120 million U.S. TV households with (free) access to ABC.

Even with the smaller viewer pool, Green believes "DWTS" has the future on its side.

"Fewer and fewer people are watching network TV, which is still an enormously important puzzle piece," he says. "But you have to go with the audience, and right now that's streaming, which is the future of entertainment. "

The "DWTS" crew has reason for rosy optimism. The show has seen ratings fatigue in recent years, despite shake-up moves such as replacing longtime host Tom Bergeron with Tyra Banks in 2020.

Hough says the show's fate is better than an alternative: cancellation.

"The truth of the matter realistically, after season 30, there was a moment (when) it seemed like that might have been it," he says. "Streaming is really a new lease on life for the show. And that's pretty incredible." (Last fall the series averaged 6.4 million viewers on ABC.)

Green denies that the new crop of celebrities, many of them reality TV stars. is designed to woo a younger, streamer-friendly audience. He points out that young influencers have always been part of the show, including Kim Kardashian in 2008's Season 7 (she's still considered one of the worst dancers in "DWTS" history).

The celebrity dancers include the mother-daughter TikTok stars Heidi and Charli D'Amelio; drag performer Shangela; "Charlie's Angel" Cheryl Ladd; "Cruel Intentions" actress Selma Blair, who has openly battled multiple sclerosis; "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice; "Jersey Shore" star Vinny Guadagnino; former "Bachelorette" Gabby Windey; and "American Idol" alum Jordin Sparks.

Canadians can watch and vote each week for the first time, but the show won't stream elsewhere because of licensing agreements. (BBC owns the show, which is based on the U.K.'s "Strictly Come Dancing.")

The $7.99-a-month service does not yet have commercials (although a lower-priced tier with ads will be offered in December), so the "DWTS" episodes will be "relentlessly live," Green says. This means there will be no breaks that had been used to move elaborate sets between dance numbers.

The all-live format will require planning and viewer patience – if not appreciation.

"We have to be on our toes. The BBC version has been doing this show without commercial breaks since day one, 20 years ago," Green says. "You might see the odd set piece in the backdrop getting moved around or hear the clunk of someone moving a light that you hadn't heard before, because that was taking place during commercials. But that's part of the fun of a live show."

"DWTS" has hired a second host along with Banks, "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star and Season 19 winner Alfonso Ribeiro. Ribeiro, who also hosts ABC's "America's Funniest Home Videos,"" will be primarily situated in the newly rebuilt skybox that allows waiting contestants to watch the dance action from above the stage. His main task will be conducting interviews as set pieces are moved.

Green says the commercial-free format allows for more group and professional dance numbers and in-depth video packages. "You're less likely to lose your audience because we'll keep viewers engaged. It will be a more compelling watch."

Hough says the crew, the dancers and judges are looking forward to the challenge, and competitors will dance like everyone is watching.

"It's going to be good, man. I'm optimistic," Hough says. "And it's this big experiment. It's like, 'Hey, let's see how this thing goes.'"

Dancing with the Stars' champ Derek Hough will be a Season 29 ...

Six-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion Derek Hough is returning to the ABC dance competition. But this time he's a judge, not a dancer.

Hough will be seated next to fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli – each 8 feet apart due to COVID-19 protocols – for Season 29 (premiering Sept. 14, 8 EDT/PDT).

"I just missed the rhinestones," Hough jokes when asked why he's returning to a show he last competed on in 2016.

What he really missed was "the spark, the joy it brings, the pure entertainment (that's) much needed right now" with the pandemic and other real-world troubles, says the two-time Emmy winner, whose sister, Julianne, is a former "Dancing" judge. "It's good for the soul. And coming back to the show feels like coming back home."

"Derek represents the very best of what 'Dancing' is," says ABC alternative programming chief Rob Mills. "We couldn't be more thrilled."

But producers are still trying to figure out how to incorporate judge Len Goodman, who remains in England due to pandemic travel restrictions.

Goodman's role is still being determined, executive producer Andrew Llinares says.

"We absolutely want him to be part of the show, Llinares says. "He's part of the family, but unfortunately, with travel restrictions, he can't physically be here. We're looking at a few options and trying to figure out the best way for him to be part of the show in some way."

Ballroom blitz:'DWTS' snares Netflix stars Carole Baskin, Chrishell Stause and coach Monica from 'Cheer' for Season 29

The addition of Hough is just one of Season 29's changes. Tyra Banks joins as an executive producer and host, replacing longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews, and "Dancing" is making pandemic-related safety adjustments, learning from recent relaunches of the BBC Studios format in Australia, Germany, Ireland and Sweden, Mills says.

Six months into the pandemic, "we know so much more about how to be safe and how to be cautious about dealing with other people and hopefully not get infected," he says.

Safety protocols include frequent coronavirus testing and 8-foot social distancing, with the exception of each pro-celeb pair, who will dance closely without masks. However, there will be strict separation between the competing couples, and while the celebrities won't have to quarantine, the pro dancers will.

Three married couples who are part of the professional dancer troupe – Emma Slater and Sasha Farber; Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov; and Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy – will be quarantined from each other to keep any positive coronavirus test from becoming a larger outbreak, Llinares says.

Dance protocol:Quarantine Diaries: Derek Hough's neighbors wonder why he's outside in full Disney costume

Viewers will notice the effects of new restrictions when dancers take the floor on the familiar ballroom set. Big group dance numbers will be missing; so will the show's band, which is recording tracks at another location; and there will be no studio audience.

"But we're not going to have banks of empty seats. We're redesigning the set with lots of new LED screens and different elements that make the ballroom look like it was designed to look this way. I think it looks fantastic," Llinares says.

Hough, a 17-season "Dancing" competitor who has been a judge in recent years on NBC's "World of Dance," sees the health-related restrictions as a challenge, likening it to choreographing a dance under time constraints.

"Whenever I was given limitations, I always tended to create the best work," he says. "I'm looking at this season like that, where there's this protocol, trying to contain and to be safe. And I'm optimistic that because of those things, it will create new moments (and) new experiences."

Banks, a supermodel who has hosted "America's Next Top Model" and "America's Got Talent," "brings a different kind of energy, which I think is fun," Mills says, while offering praise for Bergeron and Andrews. "They were fantastic. It's a big change but (their dismissal) was not anything (about) the job Tom and Erin were doing."

Hough calls Bergeron, who hosted "Dancing" from its 2005 start, "a legend" and a friend. However, he's excited about Banks' energy and style.

"She's full out, ready to play. I think she'll thrive," he says. "I'm just looking forward to seeing what she's going to be wearing every night. You know she's going to turn it up to 11 on the fashion and the style."

Which celebrities are likely to deliver strong performances? Hough predicts Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, Kaitlyn Bristowe of "The Bachelor" and "Bachelorette," and Backstreet Boy AJ McLean. But which star does he find most intriguing?

"Carole Baskin (of Netflix's 'Tiger King')," he says. "That was definitely like, 'Oh!' Your eyebrows went up a little bit."

'Dancing With the Stars' drama hits stride; Carole Baskin cries for ...

It was like a disco ball light switched on in Week 2 of "Dancing With the Stars." After a flat opening night last week that left all kinds of questions, this dance machine reality show started to groove.

Sure they promoted Carole Baskin's tearful TV breakdown in previews. But did anyone expect the "Tiger King" star to actually move in a way resembling dance on the floor? And still Baskin faced severe early exit drama.

There was delicious spectacle, literally touch-and-go "Bachelorette" injury menace, unleashed chest hair, an actual mirror ball jacket. New host Tyra Banks was sharper, as was the canned audience sound, and the cast is starting to pop with personality.

And there was the first elimination that frankly got my butterflies churning.Yes, it's still OK to miss host Tom Bergeron (forever Tom!), but "DWTS" was fun, again.

Here are key points from the show.

Carole Baskin on her 'DWTS' breakdown:'I'm powerless to change how much the lies have hurt' my family

'The Bachelorette' ankle injury update was fantastic, even after it got stupid

Years from now when people ask, where were you when "Bachelorette" star Kaitlyn Bristowe hurt her ankle, you can say, "watching the many 'DWTS' injury updates." The first camera shot of Bristowe having the mysterious ankle injury attended to, with grave faces, was sublime. The next three updates were good. Having her pro partner, Artem Chigvintsev, come in person to update Banks center stage like some medieval messenger was unintentionally hilarious.

Bristowe did eventually dance and nailed a graceful foxtrot to "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack, with scores that tied her for first place.

Was it massive over-hype or was Bristowe stoic in not explaining? She did mention she took cortisone for the pain. Might be legit. Historians will debate. Her publicist will spin.

But the verdict on "DWTS" milking the drama was clear: Bravo. But take it easy on that udder.

Everyone needs more Machado

"One Day At a Time" actress Justina Machado is emerging as a powerful "DWTS" force and one for good. More than dancing her rumba with Sasha Farber to "When You Believe" by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, Machado soared with a smile that could make you forget there's a global pandemic. There were cherry blossom trees on the stage that shed petals. It was so magical that even the judges got swept up, placing the duo tied for the top spot on the leaderboard with their scores.

"I love watching you," judge Bruno Tonioli said, speaking for America. "You dance from the heart."

Forget Johnny Weir, Johnny Gaga rocked it

Olympic figure skater Weir is entirely at home at "DWTS," as shown by his proud unfurling of his new alter ego: Johnny Gaga. Who knew his mother and Lady Gaga are longtime friends? His tango with pro Britt Stewart to Gaga's "Poker Face," which started with the two lying on the ground, and that fantastic Gaga-inspired outfit will live on, even if he was faulted for some technical dance issues. The force is strong.

Judge Bruno Tonioli is in playoff form, and earning 10s for beloved bombast

Tonioli was off his game last week, and it showed. Rusty? Missing straight-man judge Len Goodman (still stuck in England)? Both, most likely. But Tonioli and his brilliant pink jacket were in rare form Tuesday night. It's a judging dance involving crisp instruction, real criticism and then delicious, over-the-top blather from his usual standing position. We love you right back, Bruno.

Nelly had special 'Dancing With the Stars' kicks made for moving

Rapper Nelly gave a solid effort last week, pulling off a backflip at 45. He was criticized for wearing sneakers on the dance floor, however. Just to give an idea of his "DWTS" commitment, Nelly had special shoes designed by a foot surgeon – sneaker in style, dance shoes in form.

His cha cha to "Let’s Grove" by Earth, Wind & Fire with partner Daniella Karagach was entirely fun, with his effortless moves. Still needs technical work with scores putting him in the middle. But strong potential. And he has the kicks.

Nev Schulman showed moves and bodacious chest hair

"Catfish" star Shulman is started to turn heads with his shock dance moves for the second week in a row. Tuesday's cha cha to “Dynamite” by BTS with pro Jenna Johnson had gyrations that were mind-blowing.

But Shulman's most fun reveal was the pure abundance of chest hair springing from his lowcut dance shirt. "By the beard of Zeus, that’s a lot of chest hair," marveled judge Derek Hough.

Tonioli praised the dance and said "a bit of manscaping would do." Even Banks jumped in saying, "If we didn’t have to be socially distant, I would be feeling it right now." Good times.

A.J. McLean opened a Backstreet Boy love story

Backstreet Boys singer McLean showed the consummate pro moves with Cheryl Burke, dancing a showman-worthy foxtrot to "Ain’t That a Kick in the Head" by Dean Martin. But his song and dance dedication to his wife, Rochelle, and the couple's pre-dance telling of their love story, was pure modern romance. Fun fact: Rochelle originally turned the Backstreet Boy for a date, but he persisted. McLean even got weepy talking about his love for her after getting his dance scores. "True love is out there, I found you," he shouted. We felt it.

Chrishell Stause got emotional about her past

In a pre-taped clip, the "Selling Sunset" star gave pro partner Gleb some insight into her life growing up, including her and her family's week of homelessness.

"We were basically squatters in an abandoned schoolhouse, we didn’t have running water. The mattress smelled like mildew," she explained.

She added, "I wanted to give you an idea of where I’m from. It’s why I’m so grateful to be here and why I’m going to try as hard as I can."

Carole Baskin poured out her heart and danced

Baskin did get tearful talking about the strain of dealing with "Tiger King" fallout, with gentle questioning by pro partner Pasha Pashkov, who was crying, too. It always helps to have a Pasha to cry on. Mostly Baskin was poignant discussing her daughter dealing with the aftermath. The show might help that, Baskin said through near sobs. "So she can tell her friends, 'This is who my mom is, kind of. She doesn’t really dance. But she can learn to dance.' " Emotional spin, sure. But effective.

Then Baskin actually seemed to move, with a dance that suited her, a Viennese waltz to “What’s New Pussycat” by Tom Jones. She wore a gold leopard-print dress and a wild gold crown and actually hit some steps on a budget-busting, rose-filled stage with a giant gold frame featuring a cat painting.

"There is hope. It wasn’t perfect, but there’s hope," said Tonioli.

Still it wasn't enough to save possible elimination …

Despite Baskin's improvement, her low scores put her into elimination jeopardy along with fellow dancer and pro basketball player Charles Oakley.

Oakley was showing better moves this week. He's lowkey, but his shine was starting to surface. The one-time Chicago Bull and star of ESPN's "The Last Dance" actually rocked an audacious mirror ball jacket during his cha cha to "Never. Too Much" by Luther Vandross with partner Emma Slater. That jacket was stupendous.

The final decision was left to the judges, who were split as to which celebrity to save. In the end – ABC executives were no doubt pleased to note – the audience-drawing Baskin was spared by the deciding vote from Hough.

Oakley departed too soon, before the baller could really start balling.

'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Masked Singer' and more fall 2020 TV ...

Continuing to social distance leaves us with a lot of time on our sanitized hands. Thankfully, television is here to offer a distraction.

Now, given the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on production, fall's offerings are slimmer than usual. But there are still releases to be excited about.

Beloved competitions also return this fall, including "The Masked Singer," "The Amazing Race," and "The Bachelorette."

As we near Halloween, streaming platforms will unleash horror series, including "Monsterland" (Hulu) and "The Haunting of Bly Manor" (Netflix), the next chilling offering from the producers of "The Haunting of Hill House."

Our calendar of major highlights ensures you won't miss the return of your favorite series or the start of a new show you'll fall in love with. (All times EDT/PDT.)

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Sept. 16

"Archer" Season 11 (FXX, Wednesdays at 10)

"Sing On!" (Netflix): Tituss Burgess hosts this singing contest that compares karaoke contestants to the original singers of their songs.

Sept. 18

"Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous" (Netflix): The new animated series, which counts Steven Spielberg as an executive producer, is centered on a group of six teens selected to attend a special camp. But, as is typical with "Jurassic" projects, it's never just a walk in the park...

"Pen15" Season 2 (Hulu)

"Ratched" (Netflix): Sarah Paulson stars in producer Ryan Murphy's origin story for the infamous nurse from the novel and Oscar-winning 1975 film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

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Sept. 23

"The Masked Singer": Season 4 (Fox, Wednesdays at 8)

"I Can See Your Voice" (Fox, Wednesdays at 9): "Masked Singer" judge Ken Jeong serves as host of this new game show, where contestants attempt to decipher talented singers from the bad ones, before they've sung a note, for a chance at $100,000. Like "Masked," it's based on a South Korean format.

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Sept. 24

"The Chef Show:" Season 2 (Netflix)

“Celebrity Family Feud” (ABC, Thursdays at 8)

“Press Your Luck” (ABC, Thursdays at 9)

“Match Game” (ABC, Thursdays at 10)

Sept. 27

"The Comey Rule" (Showtime, Sunday at 9): The two-part miniseries dramatizes the events around the 2016 presidential election and aftermath, and the role of former FBI Director James Comey (Jeff Daniels) in shaping history.

"Fargo" (FX, Sundays at 10): The fourth installment of the acclaimed anthology series, starring Chris Rock arrives after a five-month pandemic production delay. Set in 1950 Kansas City, it centers on dueling African-American and Italian crime bosses.

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Oct. 2

"Monsterland" (Hulu): In the anthology series inspired by Nathan Ballingrud’s "North American Lake Monsters," interactions with creatures and beasts "drive broken people to desperate acts."

Oct. 4

"Flesh and Blood" (PBS, Sundays at 9): The four-part series explores the deadly sins challenging a family in the "mystery about the perils of late-life romance."

"The Good Lord Bird" (Showtime, Sundays at 9): Ethan Hawke plays abolitionist John Brown in the limited series inspired by James McBride's 2013 novel, with Joshua Caleb Johnson as Onion, a young slave.

"The Walking Dead: World Beyond" (AMC, Sundays at 10): A pair of sisters and their two pals venture out of their safe haven in order to complete a mission.

Oct. 6

“Ellen’s Game of Games” (NBC, Tuesday at 8, then 9 as of Oct. 13.)

"Swamp Thing" (CW, Tuesdays at 8): Abby Arcane (played by Crystal Reed) comes back to her Louisiana hometown and learns frightening truths about the community's swamp.

"NeXt": (Fox, Tuesdays at 9): John Slattery plays a Silicon Valley trailblazer who partners with a cybercrime agent played by Fernanda Andrade to do battle with a uniquely terrifying opponent.

Oct. 8

"Supernatural" (CW, Thursdays at 8): The long-running series returns with its (delayed) final episodes.

Oct. 9

"The Haunting of Bly Manor" (Netflix): A new chapter arrives from the producers of "The Haunting of Hill House" (2018). 1980s England serves as a backdrop for the nine-episode season, which begins with Henry Wingrave (Henry Thomas) finding a replacement nanny to tend to his parent-less niece and nephew.

Oct. 11

"Fear The Walking Dead" Season 6 (AMC, Sundays at 9)

Oct. 13

"The Bachelorette” (ABC, Tuesdays at 8): Clare Crawley kicks off her journey as the franchise's eldest lead.

Oct. 14

"The Amazing Race" (CBS, Wednesdays at 9)

Oct. 15

"Star Trek: Discovery" Season 3: (CBS All Access, Thursdays)

Oct. 16

"Helstrom" (Hulu): The two children of a serial killer search for heinous evildoers.

“Shark Tank” (ABC, Fridays at 8)

Oct. 18

“Supermarket Sweep” (ABC, Sundays at 8): "SNL” alum Leslie Jones hosts the return of the grocery store game show.

Oct. 19

“The Voice” (NBC, Mondays and Tuesdays at 8)

Oct. 22

"Superstore” (NBC, Thursdays at 8)

Oct. 25

"The Undoing" (HBO, Sundays at 9): Nicole Kidman stars as therapist Grace Fraser, who is married to the dedicated Jonathan (Hugh Grant) in this limited series created by David E. Kelley ("Big Little Lies"). The couple's idyllic life is upended following a death and a missing spouse.

Oct. 27

“This Is Us” (NBC, Tuesdays at 9)

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Oct. 29

"Superstore" (NBC, Thursdays at 8)

Oct. 30

"The Mandalorian" (Disney+)

Nov. 1

"Roadkill" (PBS, Sundays at 9): Hugh Laurie embodies a crooked politician in this four-part drama.

Nov. 2

"The Good Doctor" (ABC, Mondays at 10)

Nov. 8

"Moonbase 8" (Showtime, Sundays at 11): Astronauts Skip (Fred Armisen), Rook (Tim Heidecker) and Cap (John C. Reilly) are in training for what they hope is their first lunar mission.

Nov. 9

"Industry" (HBO, Mondays at 10): The new drama centers on a group of recent grads all trying to nab a job at a one of London's premiere investment banks.

Nov. 11

“Chicago Fire” (NBC, Wednesdays at 9)

Nov. 12

“Station 19” (ABC, Thursdays at 8)

“Grey’s Anatomy" (ABC, Thursdays at 9)

“Law & Order: SVU” (Thursdays at 9)

Nov. 13

"I am Greta" (Hulu): A documentary centered on teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

“The Blacklist” (NBC, Fridays at 8)

Nov. 15

"The Crown" Season 4 (Netflix): The upcoming season covers 1979-1990, which includes Prince Charles' 1981 wedding to Diana and the birth of their two children, Princes William and Harry.

"The Reagans" (Showtime, Sundays at 8): The Reagan administration is examined in this four-episode docuseries.

'The Crown' introduces its Princess Diana: See Emma Corrin in Diana's wedding dress

Nov. 17

"Big Sky" (ABC, Tuesdays at 10): In David E. Kelley's new thriller series set in Montana, private detectives Cassie (Kylie Bunbury) and Cody (Ryan Phillippe) team up with Cody's ex, former police officer Jenny (Katheryn Winnick), to track down the person responsible for the kidnappings and killings of women in the area.

Nov. 18

"For Life" (ABC, Wednesdays at 10)

Nov. 19

"A Milliion Little Things" (ABC, Thursdays at 10)

Nov. 23

"Black Narcissus" (FX): All In this three-episode limited series, inspired by Rumer Godden's 1939 novel, things go awry when a group of nuns tries to convert an isolated palace into a mission.

Dec. 17

"The Stand" (CBS All Access, Thursdays): In the limited series inspired by Stephen King’s novel, Whoopi Goldberg plays centenarian Mother Abagail, who is tasked with saving the world from Randall Flagg, aka the Dark Man played by Alexander Skarsgård.

Earlier premieres:

Aug. 5

"Big Brother" (CBS, premiere at 9, Wednesday. After the debut, it will air Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8): An all-star cast assembles for the reality program's 22nd season.

'Big Brother: All-Stars' premiere:Who's in the cast, who's HOH and what went wrong on live TV

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Aug. 6

"Star Trek: Lower Decks" (Thursdays on CBS All Access): A new animated comedy, the first in decades for the "Trek" franchises, centers on the U.S.S. Cerritos's support crew.

Aug. 7

"Selling Sunset": Season 3 (Netflix)

"Howard" (Disney+): The documentary makes viewers a part of Howard Ashman's world. The late lyricist wrote the lyrics for tunes from beloved Disney movies like “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast,” in addition to creating musicals.

'Selling Sunset':Chrishell Stause learns of divorce from Justin Hartley in a text: 'It's hard not to feel worthless'

Aug. 9

"Shark Week" (Discovery Channel, Aug. 9 through Aug. 16): The 32nd annual Discovery event includes specials "Tyson vs. Jaws: Rumble on the Reef" (Aug. 9, 9 EDT/PDT) and "Will Smith: Off The Deep End" (Aug. 11, 9 EDT/PDT).

Aug. 14

"Ted Lasso" (Apple TV+): Jason Sudeikis stars as a football coach hired to oversee a British soccer team.

"World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji" (Amazon Prime): Bear Grylls hosts the reality competition, in which 66 teams face-off.

Aug. 16

"Lovecraft Country": (HBO, Sundays at 9): The drama takes its inspiration from 2016 Matt Ruff's novel, set in the 1950s. Jonathan Majors portrays Freeman, who partners with his uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) and Letitia (Jurnee Smollett), a pal from childhood. They embark on a road trip to find Atticus' dad, Montrose (Michael Kenneth Williams), who has gone missing and also encounter racism and horrifying monsters.

'Lovecraft Country' review:In HBO's horror series, America's racism is the real monster

'There's a horror in just being Black':HBO's 'Lovecraft Country' digs into real racism with pulp fiction

Aug. 21

"Lucifer": Season 5 (Netflix)

Aug. 30

"Love Fraud" (Showtime, Sundays at 9): This four-part docuseries explores the cons of Richard Scott Smith, who romanced and swindled several women, prompting them to turn to a bounty hunter for revenge.

'Pure evil':Con man Richard Scott Smith's ex-fiancée talks crook ahead of 'Love Fraud' docuseries

Sept. 2

"Chef's Table: BBQ" (Netflix): The beloved food series returns to focus on barbecue.

Sept. 4

"The Boys": Season 2 (Amazon Prime)

"Away" (Netflix): Hillary Swank plays an astronaut who must leave her family to lead an international crew to Mars in this series.

'Away':Hilary Swank on her timely new Netflix trip-to-Mars space drama

Hilary Swank sues SAG-AFTRA Health Plan over ovarian cyst coverage: 'It’s time we are treated fairly'

Sept. 6

"Power Book II: Ghost" (Starz, Sunday at 9 (then 8 as of Sept. 13)): This new series, featuring Mary J. Blige, begins where its predecessor "Power" left off. Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.) is facing a new reality where his mom Tasha (Naturi Naughton) is being charged with the death of Tariq's father. In order to pay for her defense attorney he "turns to the familiar drug game."

"Undercover": Season 2 (Netflix)

Sept. 7

“American Ninja Warrior”: Season 12 (NBC, Mondays at 8)

Sept. 9

"Get Organized with The Home Edit" (Netflix): A reality series from producers Reese Witherspoon and Molly Sims about organizers who help conquer clutter and transform lives.

'Get Organized with The Home Edit' stars on 'surreal' experience in Reese Witherspoon's closet

"L.A.'s Finest": Season 2 (Spectrum On Demand; first season airs on Fox, beginning Sept. 21 at 8.) Jessica Alba plays detective Nancy McKenna and Gabrielle Union portrays Syd Burnett, a member of the LAPD, formerly with the DEA, in this "Bad Boys" spin-off crime series.

"Woke" (Hulu): Cartoonist Keith Knight serves as co-creator and an executive producer for the comedy inspired by the artist. Lamorne Morris stars as Keef, a cartoonist on the brink on success when an incident upends his life.

'Woke' star Lamorne Morris talks reality of new Hulu series, shares his own experiences with racism

Sept. 11

"The Duchess" (Netflix): Comedian Katherine Ryan stars as a single mom debating whether to have another child with her ex.

Sept. 12

"Wonderstruck – Animal Babies" (BBC America, Saturday at 8): A trio of films documents the young lives of animals being raised in dangerous places.

"Coastal Elites" (HBO, Saturday at 8): Bette Midler, Issa Rae, Sarah Paulson, Kaitlyn Dever and Dan Levy star in this special set during the pandemic, in a serious of monologues.

Sept. 13

"Our Cartoon President" (Showtime, Sundays at 8:30)

Sept. 14

"Dancing with the Stars" (ABC, Mondays at 8): Tyra Banks hosts the new season of the revamped dance competition.

"The Third Day" (HBO, Mondays at 9): The limited series is broken into two parts: Jude Law stars in the "Summer" episodes, while Naomie Harris is at the center of the series' "Winter" shows.

"We Are Who We Are" (HBO, Mondays at 10): A pair of American teens living in Italy on a U.S. military base are the focus of the eight-part look at adolescent life from Luca Guadagnino ("Call Me By Your Name").

Contributing: Carly Mallenbaum and Kelly Lawler

Don Lewis' family lawyer says ad during Carole Baskin's 'DWTS' debut sparked 'legitimate tips'

Carole Baskin:Family of her missing ex-husband airs commercial during her 'DWTS' debut

Don Lewis' family lawyer says ad during Carole Baskin's 'DWTS ...

The family of Don Lewis – Carole Baskin's former husband, who went missing in 1997 – cut in to the "Tiger King" star's "Dancing with the Stars" debut Monday. The commercial, requesting information about his disappearance, aired in Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida, says Lewis family attorney John M. Phillips, who appears in the ad and mentions Baskin. Suspicions of her involvement were explored in Netflix's hit docuseries.

So what fresh leads have come from the ad? (A longer version has been viewed nearly 900,000 times on YouTube.)

Phillips says the homemade commercial, filmed with his Canon camera, has resulted in dozens of tips – and he believes some of them may be credible.

He says "well over 100" calls have been made this week to a tip line and his law office, "and we've gotten legitimate tips. Some of them are (just) 'I watched 'Tiger King,' and I think Carole Baskin did it ' – kind of wasteful. But then there’s some pretty specific tips and locations mentioned that we’re gonna check out."

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Baskin told USA TODAY via email Friday that she hopes the mystery surrounding her former husband is solved.

"Nothing would please me more than for Don to finally be found, as it would certainly prove my innocence," she wrote.

Phillips was reluctant to share specifics about the new leads, citing an active investigation.

"Some locations that we need to check out have been revealed. Some people we need to check out have been revealed," he says. "We’re gonna take some statements and see where it leads.

"The problem with this case over the last 23 years is not enough people have provided information," he says. "And now we almost have the opposite problem – that we have too much information."

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Phillips says he has assembled a team to sort through it all, and counts a private Facebook group, Don Lewis Cold Case Files, as a resource. He says the group "has been immensely helpful with finding documents and investigating tips."

Phillips is less impressed with the efforts of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Chad Chronister announced on Twitter in March that he was seeking new leads in Lewis' case, citing the popularity of "Tiger King."

But the office was also close-mouthed about its investigation.

"The disappearance of Don Lewis is still an active and open investigation," said chief communications officer Crystal Clark, in an emailed statement Thursday. "In order to avoid releasing information that could compromise our investigation, we don't have anything further to add at this time, other than our continued request for anyone in the public with information to call our detectives at 813-247-8200."

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