TMZ reports that FOX and NBC is in a bidding war for American Idol:
NBC and FOX are going full bore against each other to bring “American Idol” back.
We’re told both networks have submitted bids to FreemantleMedia — which owns the show — and a decision could come as early as this week.
Multiple sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ … NBC wants the show in part to resolve a problem with “The Voice.” We’re told the network doesn’t want to oversaturate the market with the show, which airs twice a year. We’re also told Adam Levine only wants to do 1 cycle a year.
If NBC gets ‘Idol,’ it would rotate ‘A.I.’ with “The Voice” and each would air once a year.
We’re also told NBC has Ryan Seacrest is the favored host the second time around, and FOX would also entertain bringing Ryan back.
Our sources say the target date for bringing ‘Idol’ back is either Summer 2018 or mid-season 2019.
FOX never gave up on the show … it just became way too expensive to produce with the talent costs … Ryan, J Lo, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. The reboot, we’re told, would have a new panel of judges.
What I heard a few months ago is that FOX NEVER intended to cancel American Idol outright–only to “rest” it for a few seasons.
NBC seems to be taking a page from the UK’s ITV which is currently airing The Voice, Britain’s Got Talent and the X Factor each once a year. That’s three singing shows running back to back.
With The Voice ratings dipping the past few cycles, NBC is probably not keen on American Idol making a comeback on FOX. As far as NBC not wanting to oversaturate the market with The Voice…. TOO LATE! Smartest decision FOX made in regards to American Idol was airing it only once a year.
