Variety has learned that NBC is reportedly talking to FremantleMedia to resurrect popular singing contest show American Idol.
According to NBC sources, the network has been pitched a revival of the show to a producer at Fremantle. Allegedly the producer is looking into options for how to integrate the show into the network’s existing program slate.
Reportedly one of the possibilities is cutting NBC’s existing singing competition show The Voice. Although the network is considering cutting the show a year or two in the future.
Fremantle has allegedly been shopping for an American Idol revival in recent weeks. Currently, the production studio determines that NBC is the leading candidate to become the new home for the show.
Outside sources stress that talks are still ongoing and no deal has been made official yet. Representatives for both NBC and Fremantle have declined to comment on a possible deal.
American Idol previously ran on Fox for fifteen seasons. For eight continuous seasons from 2003-2004 fall season, it was one of the highest rated show on TV.
At its peak season in 2006, the show attracted over 36.4 million viewers. Although throughout the years, the show’s viewership ratings began to decline steeply.
The decline reportedly convinced Fox that the TV property wasn’t a worthwhile financial investment. During the final season in 2016, the show had an average 2.2 to 9.1 million viewers with delayed viewing.
A potential revival of American Idol has been a subject of speculation before the final season aired on Fox. At the 2016 Television Critics Association tour, host Ryan Seacrest discussed the possible show’s future while he was promoting the “farewell season”.
The Voice, which is currently on its seventh season, is also experiencing a viewership ratings decline. Even though the show remains as NBC’s most watched shows aside from football, the ratings have declined 19% from the previous fall.
From a scheduling standpoint, it could be difficult for NBC to find a place for American Idol without making major changes to their programming slate.
