Len Goodman’s best DWTS moments as fans reminisce about late judge
DWTS fans are remembering Len Goodman aa they reflect on the show’s anniversary (Image: Getty)
There have been concerns that judging on Dancing With the Stars has been “inconsistent” since former head judge Len Goodman left the show before his death from cancer, and fans are now opening up more about their grievances following his demise as they also remember his greatest moments.
Goodman had been the head judge on the ABC show for most of its first 31 seasons, before announcing he was retiring and leaving the show. He died a few months later, and the show renamed the Mirrorball trophy after him as a result.
The show also paid tribute to him with a special performance during Season 32, and also featured him in a “tear-jerking” segment that honored the show’s legacy on its 500th episode.
However, fans are still admitting that they are sad he hasn’t been around in recent seasons, as the show also gets a resurgence in viewership and becomes popular again after years of decline.
One fan even shared their sadness on TikTok, writing on a video “Does anyone else start crying while watching Dancing With the Stars thinking about how Len Goodman isn’t here to see how popular the show has gotten again.”
Len Goodman, the show’s former head judge, died in 2023 (Image: Getty)
The clip then resurfaced on Reddit, where fans admitted it made them “emotional.”
The feeling likely comes because of the memorable moments the judge had on the show.
Perfect scores were often hard to get from him, making the “a Ten from Len” a common refrain on the show, and making it also more special for couples when they did get that honor from him.
Another big memory for fans came from his fiery critiques when he didn’t like routines, and his heated confrontations with some of the pros, most notably, Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Goodman was known for his colorful comments and strict views on the show, making memorable moments (Image: Getty)
His colorful metaphors for when he didn’t like a dance were also a part of his trademark, as was his infamous critique for a particular move many of the male pros used over the years in their routines–removing their shirts.
He often critiqued pros like Maks, saying he was “fed up” with the removed shirts, insisting on “proper dances” that didn’t rely on physique and sex appeal.
While he did soften in his later years, fans have noted that the show isn’t the same without him, as many admitted on Reddit that they still missed him greatly.
“These newer fans would not be able to handle Len,” one said. “But d–n I miss him. He was the heart of this show.”
Fans have admitted they are saddened that Goodman missed the show’s resurging popularity (Image: Getty)
“I miss him so much. I think about him often–I started watching the show as a kid and couldn’t stand his judging sometimes! Now as I continue to get older I realize my judging is starting to become similar to Len’s,” another wrote.
“I miss Len a. Lot. Definition of irreplaceable!” a third commented.
“I didn’t always agree with him but I sure did appreciate his honesty and how he wasn’t trying to bring people down but be the stern grandpa they all needed in that moment,” a fourth added.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+.
