This Could Be One Reason Why ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Is Moving to Disney+

Earlier this week, it was announced that Dancing with the Stars would be moving to Disney+ after sixteen years on ABC.

While the long-running series pivot to streaming is exciting, some fans may be wondering what prompted the switch-up.

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IndieWire notes that in a statement accompanying the announcement, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution Kareem Daniel said, “The show’s broad appeal, as well as the overwhelming popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights, make Disney+ the perfect home for Dancing with the Stars while continuing to expand our demographic reach.”

Kareem‘s statement highlights Disney+’s desire to reach new audiences with their programming. According to a June 2021 Nielsen report, nearly half (44 percent) of the Disney+ “total weighted streaming minutes” comes from those aged 2-17.

However, only nine percent of Disney+ usage is attributed to adults 55 and older, which is the same audience that consumes 60 percent of linear television. Nielsen has also found that the median age of Dancing with the Stars viewers is 63.5 years old, which means the show audience is exactly the demographic Disney+ wants to acquire.

Since both Kareem and Bob Chapek have said their goal is to hit 230 million to 260 million subscribers by 2024, it will be essential to find a reliable series that will draw new users from varying demographics to the platform.

IndieWire also adds that Walt Disney Television chairman of entertainment Dana Walden has said that ABC is “significantly expanding our unscripted slate,” implying that the move means Dancing with the Stars may not fit into ABC’s limited broadcast primetime window anymore given the new upcoming content.

Another important point is that Dancing with the Stars was among the Top 5 unscripted series with adults 18-49 during its fall 2021 run, which is viewed as the most sought-after demographic for entertainment programming. Since those advertiser’s will be coming to Disney+ later this year, it makes sense that the streamer would want to secure programming to appeal to them.

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