Home Certifiedscandal57

Will So You Think You Can Dance Return? Inside The Shocking Season 19 Renewal Status And Judge Shake-Up

• minute read
Contents

The question on every dance fan's mind right now is whether the iconic reality competition, So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD), will be renewed for a monumental Season 19. As of December 23, 2025, the show’s official renewal status on FOX remains unconfirmed, with the network yet to make a definitive announcement following the conclusion of the drastically revamped Season 18.

The long-running series, which has captivated audiences for nearly two decades, is currently sitting in a state of limbo—neither renewed nor officially canceled. This waiting game is not unusual for the show, but the recent, highly controversial changes to the judging panel and the shift in format have fueled intense speculation about the series’ future, and what "big changes" might be in store for 2026.

The SYTYCD Season 18 Legacy: Winner, Judges, and Format Shake-Up

Season 18 of So You Think You Can Dance, which premiered on March 4, 2024, was a landmark season for several reasons, introducing a new format and featuring a dramatically altered judging panel. The season concluded with the crowning of a new champion, but not without significant off-screen drama that dominated headlines.

Season 18 Key Entities & Biographical Profile

  • Season 18 Winner: Anthony Curley. The 21-year-old contemporary dancer was crowned the winner, beating out fellow finalists Dakayla Wilson and Madison Alvarado.
  • Host: Cat Deeley. The beloved British presenter returned to host the competition, a role she has held since Season 2.
  • Judge (Initial): Nigel Lythgoe (Co-Creator). Initially slated to return, he "stepped back" from the panel.
  • Judge: Allison Holker. A former contestant and All-Star, she returned to the panel for Season 18.
  • Judge: Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The Dancing with the Stars veteran joined the panel for the first time.
  • Judge (Replacement): JoJo Siwa. The pop star and dancer replaced Nigel Lythgoe on the panel.

The New Format: Real-World Challenges and Mentorship

Season 18 introduced a "new format" designed to reflect the authentic experience of building a successful career in dance. Unlike previous seasons that focused almost exclusively on stage performances, the new structure integrated "real-world challenges."

These challenges included performing in a music video, tackling a football halftime show, and working on a Broadway production. This shift was intended to test the dancers’ versatility and adaptability in professional settings, providing a more realistic view of the industry. The renewed focus on mentorship and behind-the-scenes work was a major departure from the traditional live-show elimination structure.

The Controversial Judge Exit That Rocked the Season

The most significant and controversial development of Season 18 was the sudden departure of series co-creator and long-time judge, Nigel Lythgoe. Lythgoe was initially announced as a returning judge alongside Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

However, Lythgoe announced he was "stepping back" from the show following lawsuits filed against him, including one by pop star Paula Abdul, who accused him of sexual assault. Lythgoe vehemently denied the claims, calling them "false" and "offensive," but his exit was immediate. JoJo Siwa, who previously judged Season 17, was brought in as his replacement, completing the panel.

This dramatic, high-profile shake-up is one of the key factors influencing the current uncertainty surrounding a Season 19 renewal, as the network navigates the fallout and determines the show's long-term direction.

The Big Question: Will SYTYCD Be Renewed for Season 19?

Despite the successful, albeit controversial, return of Season 18, FOX has maintained silence regarding a Season 19. As of today, December 23, 2025, the show’s future hangs in the balance.

Renewal Status: Why the Delay?

The delay in announcing a renewal or cancellation is multi-faceted:

  • Ratings Review: Networks typically take several months to thoroughly review a season's ratings, factoring in live viewing, DVR playback, and streaming performance across platforms.
  • Production Costs: A show like SYTYCD, with its elaborate sets, professional choreographers, and guest stars, is expensive to produce. FOX must assess if the ratings justify the high production cost, especially after a major format change.
  • Casting Uncertainty: Following the Nigel Lythgoe scandal, the network may be hesitant to lock in any judges or a new creative team until they have a solid plan for the show's next iteration. The lack of any casting news for Season 19 auditions is a common indicator of a potential delay or significant changes.

What to Expect for a Potential Season 19

If So You Think You Can Dance does return for Season 19, fans should prepare for yet another major evolution. Industry speculation suggests that the network is considering a complete overhaul, with rumors pointing to a full reset of the judging panel.

The possibility of "No judges returning for Season 19" is a major talking point. This could mean a rotating panel of celebrity judges, a return to an All-Star focus, or the promotion of SYTYCD alumni to permanent judge roles, such as Comfort Fedoke, who appeared as a guest judge in Season 18.

The new format focusing on "real-world challenges" is likely to be retained or further refined, as the network views it as a way to modernize the competition and attract a new generation of viewers interested in the professional dance industry. The show’s survival may depend on its ability to continue adapting while retaining its core focus on technical excellence and emotional performance.

Topical Authority and Key Entities for SYTYCD's Future

The trajectory of So You Think You Can Dance is a testament to the resilience of the dance community, but its future hinges on several key entities and decisions:

  1. FOX Network: The final decision-maker on renewal and budget allocation.
  2. Cat Deeley: Her return as host is often seen as a stabilizing factor.
  3. The Core Judges: Allison Holker, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and JoJo Siwa—their contract statuses for a potential Season 19 are currently unknown.
  4. Nigel Lythgoe's Status: Despite his exit from the judge's chair, his co-creator credit and potential legal issues could still influence production.
  5. The New Format: Its success in Season 18 will be a determining factor in its continuation.
  6. Anthony Curley: His post-win career success will be tracked as a measure of the new format's effectiveness in preparing dancers for the real world.
  7. LSI Entities: Cancellation, renewal status, auditions, contemporary dance, hip-hop, ballroom, and performance ratings are all crucial elements in the ongoing discussion.

Until FOX makes an official statement, the dance world will continue to hold its breath. Fans are encouraged to track the show's performance against other FOX series to gauge its likelihood of returning for a highly anticipated Season 19.

Will So You Think You Can Dance Return? Inside the Shocking Season 19 Renewal Status and Judge Shake-Up
will so you think you can dance
will so you think you can dance

Detail Author:

  • Name : Prof. Jean Emard DDS
  • Username : leuschke.joyce
  • Email : wabshire@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1970-11-10
  • Address : 69236 Doyle Land Lake Madisyn, LA 69619-3560
  • Phone : +19569557643
  • Company : Johnson-Stark
  • Job : Shuttle Car Operator
  • Bio : Doloribus ipsam et consequatur facere. Perspiciatis iusto voluptas est aperiam vitae fugit. Asperiores ab minima excepturi eaque corrupti. At enim est quod cum et dolorem ducimus.

Socials

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@bette.welch
  • username : bette.welch
  • bio : Ut minima qui in dignissimos nulla. Explicabo enim animi ipsam saepe.
  • followers : 5505
  • following : 2629

facebook:

linkedin:

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/bette_real
  • username : bette_real
  • bio : Mollitia praesentium qui omnis est. Veniam quo qui aut repellendus eligendi ipsum.
  • followers : 2351
  • following : 2985

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/welchb
  • username : welchb
  • bio : Animi neque quibusdam dignissimos officiis ea. Voluptas et labore qui occaecati. Totam rerum enim eligendi iste.
  • followers : 6683
  • following : 2292

Random Posts