Abby Lee Miller, Cathy Nesbitt-Stein return to judge dance series

Abby Lee Miller and Cathy Nesbitt-Stein will share the screen once more as judges for a new dance competition series. The former Dance Moms rivals are appearing together in Abby vs. Cathy: Hit the 8, which is scheduled to premiere on October 27.

New show features returning rivals

The short-form reality program brings the two longtime adversaries back into the spotlight. In an exclusive joint interview with Page Six, Miller and Nesbitt-Stein discussed their upcoming collaboration and the enduring dynamic that defined their time on Dance Moms.

Nesbitt-Stein characterized their interaction as iconic, stating, “We’re very good, [we] play with each other and we’re iconic in the way that we act towards each other.” Miller countered this perspective by emphasizing the authenticity of her reactions. “And it’s real. When she says something hokey, I have to roll my eyes,” she said.

Nesbitt-Stein immediately disputed the claim, insisting that she never said anything hokey. Despite the playful teasing, both women clarified that their relationship predates their television appearances. They rejected the notion that their dynamic was fabricated solely for reality TV purposes.

Relationship history and misconceptions

Miller described their connection as colleagues who have always maintained that professional status. She pushed back against the idea that their interactions were performative. “And I think that it’s not play and it’s not fake and it is not made up. It’s my natural reaction to things that she says or feelings that she has,” Miller explained.

Nesbitt-Stein noted that the pair had spent time together before filming began on Dance Moms. “She had been to dinner well before the other show. So we’re colleague-friends, colleague-frenemies, however you want to say that,” she added. The duo identified the biggest misconception about their bond as the belief that they did not know each other prior to the show and genuinely hated one another.

While acknowledging that their relationship deteriorated during the run of Dance Moms, both women expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work together again. They will serve as judges on the new series, continuing their public rivalry in a competitive format.