So You Think You Can Dance was set to start taping Season 17 this August, but with restriction in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has officially been canceled. While earlier in the year, Nigel Lythgoe, the show’s executive producer, was optimistic that even if the show’s typical live format wouldn’t be possible, some form of SYTYCD would air on Fox this summer.
“I love audience participation and want to keep that alive. So if we can’t have our normal competition, another option is to put our past seasons in competition with each other, and have viewers vote on their all-time favorite dancers and dances,” Nigel said to Dance Spirit in early May. “There’s a lot you can do in editing with 16 seasons worth of material.”
Unfortunately, Fox’s statement is less optimistic. “So You Think You Can Dance will not be moving forward due to health and governmental restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the network said. “As a result, while we were looking forward to its return this summer, we cannot meet the standards we’ve set for viewers and contestants in light of the show’s unique format, intricate production schedule and limited time.”
The SYTYCD team is just as sad as we are. Cat Deely who was confirmed to return for Season 17 with judges Nigel Lythgoe, Mary Murphy, and Laurieann Gibson. Cat shared the news on her Instagram, thanking the dancers that auditioned for this season.
Hopefully, we’ll see dancers returning to the SYTYCD next summer, but until then, at least we can continue to rewatch all of our favorite performances from past contestants on YouTube.