Dancing with the Stars Celebrates 500 Episodes With a Tear-Jerking Tribute to Len Goodman (Exclusive)

Dancing with the Stars is marking a milestone achievement!

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the longtime competitive dance show will reach its 500th episode and in PEOPLE’s exclusive look back at the show’s most iconic moments, ABC is celebrating the stars, pros and judges who made the feat possible.

“For nearly 20 years, Dancing with the Stars has captivated us all, and Tuesday, we’ll celebrate our 500 episode together,” a voiceover narrates as the video flashes back to 2005 and speeds up to 2024.

The short clip features some of the show’s most iconic moments and viral celebrity performances including JoJo Siwa, Charli D’Amelio and current contestant Dwight Howard’s. Familiar faces are also treated with a blast from the past as shots of host Alfonso Ribeiro and judge Derek Hough competing play on screen.

“21 Emmys, 394 stars, 51 pros and 32 winners,” the voiceover continues over photos of contestants celebrating their victories.

“Spectacular!” late judge Len Goodman’s voice resonates on screen as he blows a kiss to the winning couple. The retrospective suddenly grows emotional as a photo of Goodman flashes over the video.

“We were shocked and saddened by the news of Len Goodman’s passing,” Alfonso says before announcing, “As a tribute to him, we redesigned and renamed our ultimate prize — the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy.”

As dancers hit striking poses and fly across the stage, judge Bruno Tonioli exclaims, “Another hit!” while Carrie Ann Inaba remarks, “We’ve seen moves this ballroom has never seen!”

“Join us in celebrating 500 episodes of Dancing with the Stars,” the voiceover continues as the crowd cheers.

On April 22, 2024, Goodman died from bone cancer while in hospice care in Kent, England. He was 78.

His manager Jackie Gill told BBC News Goodman was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. 

“It is with great sadness to announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully, aged 78,” Gill said in a statement. “A much-loved husband, father and grandfather who will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.”

In addition to his beloved role on DWTS as head judge, the U.K.-born television personality was also a head judge on Strictly Come Dancing, the British version of the dance competition series. The show ran from 2004 until 2016 and Goodman appeared on all seasons. 

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on ABC.