The network upfronts are this week, which means we get tons of news about the 2015-16 television season. FOX and NBC will present to advertisers tomorrow (5/11) which means we’ll find out which FOX shows are returning to the schedule. NBC has already released their slate of programs for the new season.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, American Idol is set to “return with the same trio of judges, but insiders say the 15th season will be cut back and is expected to be the series’ last.”
There is a conference call with FOX executives scheduled for tomorrow morning. I’m sure the subject of American Idol will come up. We’ll see if the 15th season is announced as the series’ last. Even if there is no “last season” announcement, I would imagine any further renewal of Idol would be dependent on the ratings at least staying stable. As the numbers have been declining for many seasons now, it’s unlikely there will be a sudden turnaround, particularly in light of further cutbacks.
What would further cutbacks entail exactly? Even fewer episodes? If Jlo is returning, will she take a paycut? She was paid at least 15 million dollars at one point. Is she really worth that kind of salary?
Also, if mentor Scott Borchetta manages to make the Idol winner even a minor star, would that make a difference? Will Scott return to Idol for another season?
As a side note, the pilot, Studio City, starring Eric McCormack, and co-starring Idol season 5 alum, Chris Daughtry was passed over by FOX for the time being, at least. It won’t have a spot for the Fall schedule, according to Deadline, but is not being released and may fina a place on the mid-season schedule.
The pilot, a musical hybrid a la Empire and Nashville (Chris composed the music), “came in a bit bland” according to THR insiders.
Speaking of Empire, it has reportedly been upped to an 18 episode order.
Stay tuned. Tomorrow at least some of our questions will be answered.
