ABC's Dancing With the Stars is undeniably one of the most successful reality competition series ever made. Not only has it welcomed a seemingly endless cavalcade of B and C list celebrities, but Dancing With the Stars has also managed to create celebrities of its own with the dancers, Julianne and Derek Hough for instance.
From the beginning of the series all the way through to 2019, Dancing with the Stars was hosted by Tom Bergeron with some additional helping hands along the way. In 2020, however, it was announced that Tyra Banks would be taking over the hosting duties for the series. They might have the same initials, but they also have different qualities that make them solid and unique emcees.
Tom Bergeron: ABC Stalwart
In the case of Bergeron, his presence on Dancing With the Stars helped elevate him to the status of a familiar face across networks, especially ABC. Of course, Bergeron also hosted America's Funniest Home Videos for a long while.
Both shows helped the buoy and support the other. Because Bergeron was always hosting something, he was always honing his skills, leading him to master status by the time Dancing With the Stars was really plugging away.
Tyra Banks: Perseverance
After hosting the show for over a decade, Tom Bergeron obviously left a big hole in the series. No matter who replaced him, the new host would be met with immediate criticism and scrutiny by the show's devotees.
This was made even worse when Tyra Banks took over and was met with production errors and flubs. She didn't get flustered by the moment, though. In her early tenure, Tyra Banks stepped up and recovered immaculately. That shows promise for her future as host.
Tom Bergeron: The Nostalgia Factor
Considering Banks has only just took over the show, it'll be hard to shake the advantage that Bergeron has by virtue of racking up tons of seasons on the show. When anyone thinks of Dancing With the Stars, they will likely think of Tom.
That nostalgia factor goes a long way. He was the welcomed face on the series, like Dick Clark on New Year's Eve and Ryan Seacrest on American Idol. For those who grew up with DWTS, Bergeron will always be the pinnacle.
Tyra Banks: Shaking Things Up
Bergeron is a consummate host; there's no denying that. He's like the Marc Summers of network television. But it did feel like Dancing With the Stars had a welcome breath of fresh air when Banks stepped into the fray.
Banks is a well-known celebrity, of course, but her role on Dancing With the Stars is perfectly suited to her talents. She brings a freshness to a series that was in dire need of it.
Tom Bergeron: Not A Distracting Presence
While Banks has certainly changed the tone and vibe of Dancing With the Stars, she has also made a show of her presence on the competition series. Sometimes, it seems like her hosting style distracts from the actual dances.
Bergeron never had this problem. With his hosting nature, he was able to fade into the background and let the performances take center stage. Look to the Oscars. The best hosts are the ones who are not overbearing. Bergeron always balanced this expertly.
Tyra Banks: Wardrobe
One clear advantage that Banks holds over Bergeron is her wardrobe. The sense of style and aesthetics that she has imbued into the ABC series is remarkable and certainly a departure from the standard fare outfits donned by Bergeron.
Would fans expect anything different from Banks, though? She is a legendary icon on the fashion scene. It makes sense that DWTS outfits would reflect that, and Banks still manages to pull them off brilliantly.
Tom Bergeron: Good-Natured Humor
If Banks holds a fashion advantage over Bergeron, then there's no doubting that Bergeron has a leg up when it comes to a humorous sensibility on Dancing With the Stars.
Banks is undoubtedly charming, but Bergeron is just a seasoned pro. His jokes were always subtle enough while still being charismatic and chuckle-worthy. It was a wholesome sense of humor that he brought to the forefront. It's underratedly welcome.
Tyra Banks: Rapport With The Judges
While Bergeron obviously played off the judges well, Banks fit right in from the get-go. The series' most memorable seasons will likely be tinged with Bergeron always, but Banks quickly blended into the DNA of the series and shared some easy-going dynamics with the judges.
Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough were tapped as the judges for the season, which definitely helped Banks ingratiate herself alongside some of the series' most iconic figures.
Tom Bergeron: Right Level Of Fame
Let's be honest. Dancing With the Stars has never really had Hollywood's top "stars." The contestants are famous, no doubt, but they are not A-list. And that's perfectly fine! It's just that Banks often seems like she's an A-list celebrity, if not B+ list, at least.
Bergeron was not quite at that level, but he was much more a peer of the contestants. It allowed for the balance on the show to come across naturally, and Bergeron deftly managed chats and introductions for the stars and their dancing partners.
Tyra Banks: An Energetic Ferocity
Bergeron did have the ability to put the dancers and performers at ease, but Banks seems entirely uninterested in that. Fortunately, her take on the hosting gig has benefited her hosting style immensely.
Banks is obviously an embodiment of the "fierce" adjective, and she brings that ferocity of spirit to the stage on Dancing With the Stars. Her energy is at a higher level than Bergeron's. Both strategies are good, but Banks' take is incredibly becoming of her.