In addition to its plan to launch the one-time ratings juggernaut for a planned March 2018 premiere, the network wants to bring back original host Ryan Seacrest.
- May 3, 2017
AceShowbiz - ABC reportedly joins NBC and FOX in the "American Idol" sweepstakes. TMZ is the first to report that ABC has made an offer to Freemantle, "American Idol" production company, to buy the franchise and reboot it for a March 2018 premiere.
The site further reports that the network plans to bring back original host Ryan Seacrest to the show, which has been off the air for a year. Thus, ABC has asked Freemantle if there is any chance that the one-time ratings juggernaut can be moved to NYC, as Ryan was recently tapped as Kelly Ripa's new permanent co-host on "Live", which is based in NYC. Freemantle reportedly rejected the idea. Citing the sources, TMZ states that "NYC was a no-go" and "the show will be shot in L.A."
Despite the attempt to bring back Ryan, rumor has it that no one from ABC has approached the busy radio personality regarding the "American Idol" revival plan. Sources claim that "it's virtually out of the question, given his commitment to 'Live'."
ABC joins NBC and FOX in the bidding war which led to an internal conflict between Freemantle and CoreMedia. At this point, Freemantle will try once again to come to an agreement with Core Media, before going back to ABC, NBC and FOX to negotiate.
"American Idol" ran for 15 seasons on FOX, before concluding its most recent season 15 in 2016. Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks are among huge stars who were born through the show. The show also featured several big names, including Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Simon Cowell, Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, as panel judges.
