TMZ reports that American Idol and ABC are close to signing a deal that could be announced at the network’s upfronts presentation on Tuesday May 16.
American Idol seems headed for ABC for a March 2018 launch … sources connected with the negotiations tell TMZ.
TMZ broke the story, ABC made the offer a week ago and asked the owners of the show if it could be moved to NYC so Ryan Seacrest could host, now that he’s living there. That idea was quickly nixed and the show will go on in Hollywood.
ABC tells us … there’s no signed deal, but our sources say the negotiations are far along and the fine points are being worked out right now. We’re told both sides expect to seal the deal “soon.”
We’re also told NBC, which made an offer several months ago, is out as a bidder. FOX also made an offer but from everything we’re hearing, it’s now all about ABC.
Our sources say the plan is for ABC to announce the return of Idol at the Upfronts a week from next.
ABC is the home of amazing singing show hits such as Duets in 2012, Rising Star in 2014. And who could forget the 2013 gem, Sing Your Face Off? All three shows were one season and done. I don’t have a lot of faith in ABC’s ability to bring back American Idol successfully. I’m even more skeptical now that Ryan Seacrest is no longer available to host.
ABC Makes Offer to American Idol. But Likely No Ryan Seacrest (Report)
As much as I miss the American Idol, it would be better for the show in the long run if it was off the air long enough for people to really miss it. Then bring it back to a network or cable channel with a track record.
UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that American Idol STILL could return to FOX. But, it’s Freemantle that has an issue:
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that ABC is considered the front-runner to land the singing competition’s return — though Fox is still said to be in the mix. ABC, Fox and producers FremantleMedia and Core Media Group all declined comment.
TMZ reported that ABC is likely to land Idol’s return — for a March 2018 launch — with a formal announcement expected at its May 16 upfront presentation to ad buyers. While NBC originally was the first to eye its return, sources tell THR that the network is no longer in the running. FremantleMedia, meanwhile, is said to have an issue with Fox that could prevent the reality juggernaut from returning to its original home.
