It’s been a long road back to the small screen for Fox So you think you can dancebut the reality competition series eventually returned for Season 17, which is part of the TV program 2022. So far the show, which comes after a COVID-related two-year hiatus for the show, is showcasing some fresh talent and a number of new judges. However, the series has taken a shake on the latter with franchise newcomer Matthew Morrison leaving the series. With that, the star has declared his “deepest regret” for his departure.
Along with the news of his departure So you think you can danceMatthew Morrison released a statement revealing the reason for the move. That joy Alum said he’s leaving the fan-favorite show because he didn’t follow “competitive production protocols.” He also apologized to fans and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity:
The opportunity to be a judge on So You Think You Can Dance was an incredible honor for me. So I have to deeply regret to inform you that I will be leaving the show. After filming the audition rounds for the show and completing the selection of the 12 finalists, I did not follow the competition’s production protocols, which prevented me from judging the show and the competition fairly. I can’t apologize enough to everyone involved and will be with you all watching what I believe will be one of the best seasons yet.
The exact circumstances behind the protocol violation were not disclosed. This development comes as a surprise given that season 17 only started a little over a week ago. Though the star is now gone, viewers haven’t seen him last. As EW As mentioned, the series’ audition episodes are pre-taped, meaning Matthew Morrison will be available until mid-June. Trade sources claim that a replacement will be announced soon and brought in for the next phase of the competition, which is set to begin on June 15.
Matthew Morrison was a key part of the aforementioned new wave of judges alongside pop star JoJo Siwa and Stephen “tWitch” Boss. All served as successors to series veterans Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe, who confirmed the change of judges in a separate post. However, longtime host Cat Deely returned, although she’s not serving as a judge on this go-around.
So you think you can dance has seen many changes over the years as far as judges are concerned. In the past, the panel brought in notable names like Paul Abdul and Vanessa Hudgens to weigh the sea of competitors (some of which even played the leading role in the heights). While there’s no indication who might be brought in to replace Matthew Morrison, it’s likely that producers will seek to bring in someone who can really up the star power in the already electrifying show.
So you think you can dance airs on Fox on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET, and previous episodes of the series are also available to stream with a Hulu subscription.
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