‘American Idol’ Revival Still Possible On ABC Following NBC, FOX Battle

A revival for the once-hit singing reality TV competition “American Idol” may still be possible on ABC.

According to TMZ, the network made a bid to revive the show. Network execs have also reached out to Fremantle, “American Idol’s” production company, to offer to buy the franchise. If approved, ABC is eyeing a possible March 2018 premiere for the revival. Additionally, ABC wants the production for “American Idol” to move to New York so that Ryan Seacrest could continue hosting the upcoming seasons. However, Fremantle insisted that the production should take place in Los Angeles. Seacrest was also recently tapped to co-host “Live with Kelly Ripa” so his schedule might be a bit tight.

Read: Fans react to “American Idol” revival rumors

Earlier this year, NBC and FOX both considered reviving “American Idol.” However, their plans did not progress due to an internal battle between Fremantle and Core Media Group. Last month, it was revealed that Fremantle proposed the reboot to NBC, and the network was more than excited with the pitch. In fact, they even considered cutting down “The Voice” to just one season per year to accommodate “American Idol.” Had their plans pushed through, “The Voice” would’ve been scheduled for a fall release, while “American Idol” would have been released in the spring.

Unfortunately, NBC did not receive the rights to revive “American Idol” after the execs from Peacock network and FOX said they also wanted to bring the reality competition back to television. Both network pitched their ideas to Fremantle, but the production company for “American Idol” was more interested in teaming up with NBC. However, Core Media Group believes that there would be a conflict of interest if “American Idol” will air on ABC because the network is already home to another reality TV competition, “America’s Got Talent.”

The negotiations will most likely continue between Fremantle, Core Media Group and ABC. According to TV Line, this could also encourage NBC and FOX to start a possible network bidding war.

Last year, Seacrest also weighed in on the rumors of a possible revival. While at the Television Critics Association press tour, he said, “When you’ve got a franchise that has this kind of heritage that generates X amount of millions of people, if it sustains, does it mean it’s the end? I’m not sure.”

Meanwhile, “American Idol” was dubbed as one of the most popular reality TV competitions in the United States during its time. The show ran for 15 seasons and was also TV’s top-rated program for eight years. Throughout the past 15 seasons, “American Idol” has given singers a chance for their voices to be heard. Its first winner, Kelly Clarkson, has released multiple albums and received countless awards in the music industry.

“American Idol” has also witnessed a shift in its format. Throughout the years, it has welcomed and said goodbye to some of its original judges, namely, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. The 15th season ended with Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban behind the judges’ table.