All alpha-bets are off! ABC in bid to buy American Idol… with NBC and Fox also keen to secure hit show
It is often said that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
And this seems to be the case with American Idol, as it has emerged bosses at the ABC network are desperate to snag the show for their lineup, with NBC and Fox also waiting in the wings.
Last year’s fifteenth season was supposed to be its last, but this billing led to mammoth ratings for the popular show, which has made it a hot property once more.
Easy as ABC: The Disney-owned network has bid to secure a sixteenth season of American Idol
Sources at both the Disney-owned network and production company Freemantle told TMZ the former had been in touch as it wanted to reboot the show.
The plan would see the show return to the small screen in March 2018.
However it seems the show would have a familiar feel, as ABC negotiators are said to have asked about making Ryan Seacrest the host once more.
It is unknown who would appear on the judging panel, which in season 15 was made up of country boy Keith Urban, Latina popstrel Jennifer Lopez and actor/singer Harry Connick Jr.
Any move to make media personality Seacrest the host faces an uphill challenge, ironically as he is committed to hosting Live with Kelly Ripa on ABC.
Host with the most: They are keen to have the show’s macho presenter Ryan Seacrest return
All alpha-bets are off: Production company Freemantle are keen to negotiate with ABC
The network had asked if the show could be shot in New York, where the DJ is based, however this idea was vetoed by Freemantle.
NBC and FOX had been waging a bidding war months ago for the show, but negotiations were called off due to disagreements with show co-owners the CORE Media Group.
However sources told Fremantle is going back to its partner in an attempt to negotiate with ABC, while also to NBC and FOX.
Season 15 of the show aired on Fox and was a smash hit, often ranking number one in nightly ratings lists and in the top ten on weekly lists.
The season finale, which was won by Trent Harmon attracted 14.87 million viewers.
Waiting in the wings: NBC and Fox are also said to be keen to air the show
Last ever winner: But it looks like Trent Harmon will be robbed of his prestigious title