Expected to return next year, the new 'American Idol' is promised to be 'bigger, bolder and better than ever.'
- May 10, 2017
AceShowbiz - "American Idol" is officially brought back from the dead. Originally running on FOX for 15 seasons since 2002 until 2016, the show now finds a new home at ABC. The singing competition is expected to return on the Alphabet on Sunday nights for 2017-2018 season.
"American Idol is a pop-culture staple that left the air too soon," Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment, said in a statement. "ABC is the right home to reignite the fan base. We are thrilled viewers will once again share in these inspiring stories of people realizing their dreams."
Co-chairman Ben Sherwood promised a "bigger, bolder and better-than-ever Idol." He stated, "American Idol on ABC ... that has a nice ring to it. Idol is an entertainment icon, and now it will air where it belongs, in ABC's lineup of addictive fan favorites alongside Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor."
"ABC's passion and enthusiasm make them a perfect home for American Idol," Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia Group, added. "We are excited to be partnering with them to discover the next generation of talented artists. It's an irresistible combination that means now is the ideal time to welcome back one of the most successful shows in the history of contemporary television."
It's unclear if any the judges or the original host Ryan Seacrest will be back for the revival. Seacrest recently relocated to New York after landing a gig as Kelly Ripa's co-host on her show which also coincidently airs on ABC. He did confirm there were talks about his possible return to the new "Idol", but he insisted that nothing had been set in stone although he got permission from Ripa to take the job.
This…is #AmericanIdol--coming to @ABCNetwork in 2018! pic.twitter.com/o2sdLAtdar
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) May 9, 2017
