May 16, 2017
by Carla Hay
ABC officially announced its 2017-2018 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in New York City on May 16, 2017. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that “Toy Box” has been cancelled.
ABC is also reviving its Emmy-winning comedy “Roseanne” for eight episodes in 2018, with all of the show’s original stars back on board: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Sara Gilbert, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Fishman and Lecy Goranson. Sarah Chalke, who played the character Becky in later seasons, will also appear in another role.
New scripted shows include “Alex, Inc.,” “The Crossing,” “Deception,” “For The People,” “The Good Doctor,””The Gospel of Kevin,” “Marvel’s Inhumans,” “The Mayor” and “Splitting Up Together,” “Ten Days in The Valley.” New reality shows are “American Idol,” “The Bachelor Winter Games” and “Dancing With the Stars Junior.” Some of actors starring in these shows are known for being in past long-running hit shows. Kyra Sedgwick of “Ten Days in the Valley” formerly starred in “The Closer.” Freddie Highmore (“The Good Doctor”) previously starred in “Bates Motel.” Zach Braff (“Alex, Inc.”), who used to star in “Scrubs,” returns to a starring role on a TV series. Jenna Fischer (“Splitting Up Together”) is best known for being on the U.S. version of “The Office.” Jason Ritter (“The Gospel of Jason”) was a co-star of “Parenthood.”
There will be two new live musical event specials: “The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live!’ and “Rolling Stone 50.”
Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut later in the 2017-18 season.
The following is an excerpt from an ABC press release:
ABC FALL 2017-18 SCHEDULE
All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.
MONDAY
8-10 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
10-11 p.m. “The Good Doctor”
TUESDAY
8-8:30 p.m. “The Middle”
8:30-9 p.m. “Fresh Off the Boat”**
9-9:30 p.m. “Black-ish”***
9:30-10 p.m. “The Mayor”
10-11 p.m. “The Gospel of Kevin”
WEDNESDAY
8-830 p.m. “The Goldbergs”
8:30-9 p.m. “Speechless”
9:30-10 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30-10 p.m. “American Housewife”***
10-11 p.m. “Designated Survivor”
THURSDAY
8-9 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
9-10 p.m. “Scandal”
10-11 p.m. “How to Get Away with Murder”
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. “Once Upon a Time”***
9-10 p.m. “Marvel’s Inhumans”
10-11 p.m. “20/20”
SATURDAY
8 p.m. “Saturday Night Football”
SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8-9 p.m. “To Tell the Truth” ***
9-10 p.m. “Shark Tank”***
10-11 p.m. “Ten Days in the Valley”
** = new time period
*** = new day and time period
NEW DRAMA SERIES
“THE CROSSING”
Refugees from a war-torn country seek asylum in a small American fishing town, only the country these people are from is America—and the war they are fleeing hasn’t happened yet. As the government tries to uncover the truth behind this mysterious migration only one thing is certain: The lives of the people here—both the townspeople and these newcomers—will never be the same. Writers Dan Dworkin & Jay Beattie executive produce with Jason Reed.
“The Crossing” stars Steve Zahn as Jude Miller, Natalie Martinez as Reece, Sandrine Holt as Emma Ren, Rick Gomez as Nestor, Jay Karnes as Craig Lindauer, Marcuis Harris as Caleb, Simone Kessel as Rebecca, Kelly Missal as Hannah, Rob Campbell as Paul, Grant Harvey as Roy, Bailey Skodje as Leah, Jon D’Leo as Will, Luc Roderique as Bryce and Tommy Bastow as Marshall.
The pilot is directed by Rob Bowman. The series is from ABC Studios.
“DECEPTION”
When his career is ruined by scandal, superstar magician Cameron Black has only one place to turn to practice his art of deception, influence and illusion—the FBI. Using every trick in the book and inventing new ones, he will help the government catch the world’s most elusive criminals while staging the biggest illusions of his career. The series is from writer/executive producer Chris Fedak (“Chuck”) and executive producers Greg Berlanti, Martin Gero and Sarah Schechter. Illusionist David Kwong (“Now You See Me”) will co-produce.
“Deception” stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Cameron Black/Jonathan Black, Ilfenesh Hadera as Kay Daniels, Lenora Crichlow as Dina Clark, Amaury Nolasco as Mike Alvarez, Justin Chon as Jordan Kwon, Laila Robins as Special Agent Deakins and Vinnie Jones as Gunter Gustafsen.
The series is from Berlanti Productions and Quinn’s House in association with Warner Bros. Television. “Deception” is directed by David Nutter, who is also executive producer.
“FOR THE PEOPLE”
Set in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, aka “The Mother Court,” this new Shondaland drama follows brand-new lawyers working for both the defense and the prosecution handling the most high-profile and high-stakes federal cases in the country – all as their lives intersect in and out of the courtroom. The series is created by Shondaland’s Paul William Davies and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers.
The series, from ABC Studios, stars Ben Rappaport as Seth Oliver, Susannah Flood as Kate Littlejohn, Wesam Keesh as Jay Simmons, Regé-Jean Page as Leonard Knox, Ben Shenkman as Roger Gunn, Hope Davis as Jill Carlan, Vondie Curtis-Hall as Judge Nicholas Byrne and Anna Deavere Smith as Tina Krissman.
“THE GOOD DOCTOR”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYlZDTru55g
Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore, “Bates Motel”), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the skepticism of his colleagues. The series is from David Shore (“House”), and “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-O” star Daniel Dae Kim.
The series stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Brown, Nicholas Gonzalez as Dr. Neal Melendez, Chuku Modu as Dr. Jared Kalu, Beau Garrett as Jessica Preston, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews and Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman.
The series is from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios. David Shore is writer and executive producer. Daniel Dae Kim, David Kim and Sebastian Lee are also executive producers. Seth Gordon directed the pilot and is also an executive producer.
“THE GOSPEL OF KEVIN”
Kevin Finn (Jason Ritter, “Parenthood”), a cluelessly self-serving person, is on a dangerous path to despair. In a downward spiral, Kevin returns home to stay with his widowed twin sister (JoAnna Garcia Swisher, “Once Upon a Time”) and niece. On his first night there, an unlikely celestial being named Yvette appears to him and presents him with a mission: to save the world. A light drama from executive producers Michele Fazekas & Tara Butters (“Marvel’s Agent Carter,” “Resurrection,” “Reaper”).
“The Gospel of Kevin” stars Jason Ritter as Kevin Finn, JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Amy, J. August Richards as Nate, Chloe East as Reese, Dustin Ybarra as Tyler and India de Beaufort as Kristin.
The pilot is directed by Paul McGuigan. The series is from ABC Studios.
“MARVEL’S INHUMANS”
“Marvel’s Inhumans” explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. After the Royal Family of Inhumans is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where their surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them may prove to not only save them, but Earth itself. The legendary comic book series will be brought to life in a way that has never been done before, as a version of the first two episodes will be shown globally in IMAX theaters for a two-week period beginning September 1, 2017. ABC will then air the entirety of the series on the network, with additional exclusive content that can only been seen on ABC.
“Marvel’s Inhumans” stars Anson Mount as Black Bolt, Iwan Rheon as Maximus, Serinda Swan as Medusa, Eme Ikwuakor as Gorgon, Isabelle Cornish as Crystal, Ken Leung as Karnak, Ellen Woglom as an undisclosed character, Sonya Balmores as Auran and Mike Moh as Triton.
The series is executive produced by Scott Buck, along with Marvel’s Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory with Buck serving as showrunner. Roel Reiné will direct the first two episodes. This series is a Marvel and IMAX project and is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios.
“TEN DAYS IN THE VALLEY”
“Ten Days in the Valley” stars Kyra Sedgwick as Jane Sadler, an overworked television producer and single mother in the middle of a separation whose life is turned upside down when her young daughter goes missing in the middle of the night. Just like her controversial police TV show, everything is a mystery, everyone has a secret and no one can be trusted.
“Ten Days in the Valley” stars Kyra Sedgwick as Jane Sadler, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as John Bird, Kick Gurry as Pete Greene, Erika Christensen as Ali Petrovich, Felix Solis as David Gomez, Josh Randall as Tom Petrovich, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Matt, Abigail Pniowsky as Lake and Francois Battiste as Gus.
“Ten Days in the Valley” is from Skydance Television. It is created and written by Tassie Cameron. Executive producers are Tassie Cameron, Kyra Sedgwick, Jill Littman, Dana Goldberg, David Ellison and Marcy Ross.
NEW COMEDY SERIES
“ALEX, INC.”
Based on the podcast StartUp, Alex Schuman (Zach Braff, “Scrubs”) is a brilliant radio journalist, husband and father of two who is about to do something crazy – quit his job and start his own company. He quickly discovers it’s going to be a lot harder than he thought. Zach Braff stars, directs and is executive producer with Matt Tarses (“Scrubs”) and Davis Entertainment (“Dr. Ken,” “Blacklist”).
Matt Tarses is writer and executive producer. Zach Braff is director and executive producer. John Davis and John Fox are executive producers of the series, from Davis Entertainment, as are Alex Blumberg, Chris Gilberti and Matt Lieber (Gimlet Media) in association with Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.
“THE MAYOR”
Young rapper Courtney Rose (Brandon Micheal Hall) needs his big break. For years he’s toiled away in a small inner-city apartment, making music in his junk-filled bedroom closet. Tired of waiting for opportunity, Courtney cooks up the publicity stunt of the century—running for mayor of his hometown in California to generate buzz for his music career. Unfortunately for Courtney, his master plan goes wildly awry, ending in the most terrifying of outcomes: an election victory. With the help of his mother (Yvette Nicole Brown, “Community”) and friends, including Valentina (“Glee’s” Lea Michele), Courtney will have to overcome his hubris if he wants to transform the struggling city he loves.
The series stars Brandon Micheal Hall as Courtney Rose, Lea Michele as Valentina, Bernard David Jones as Jermaine Hardaway, Marcel Spears as TK and Yvette Nicole Brown as Dina.
From executive producer Daveed Diggs (Tony winner for Broadway’s “Hamilton”), writer/executive producer Jeremy Bronson (“Speechless,” “The Mindy Project,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”) and executive producer Jamie Tarses (“Happy Endings”), the series is from ABC Studios. The pilot is directed by executive producer James Griffiths (“black-ish”).
“SPLITTING UP TOGETHER”
Based on the Danish series, “Splitting Up Together” is the story of a couple (Jenna Fischer, “The Office,” Oliver Hudson, “Scream Queens”) whose marriage is reignited by their divorce. Emily Kapnek (“Suburgatory”) writes and serves as executive producer of this new comedy, along with Ellen DeGeneres.
The series stars Jenna Fischer as Lena, Oliver Hudson as Martin, Bobby Lee as Arthur, Diane Farr as Maya, Lindsay Price as Camille, Olivia Keville as Mae, Van Crosby as Mason and Sander Thomas as Milo.
Jeff Kleeman, Mette Heeno, Mie Andreasen and Hella Joof are also executive producers of “Splitting Up Together,” which is based on the original series created by Heeno. It is produced by A Very Good Production and Piece of Pie Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Dean Holland directed the pilot.
NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES
“AMERICAN IDOL”
ABC is bringing back “American Idol.” The network, along with producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, will revive television’s most successful and recognized music competition series for the 2017-2018 season, bringing back the fan-favorite and making more dreams come true. A host and judges will be announced at a later time.
“American Idol”‘s profound effect on the music industry is far-reaching and continually growing, launching the careers of superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry, among many others. “American Idol” contestants have sold more than 60 million albums, resulting in more than 80 Platinum records and 95 Gold records. Its participants have generated more than 450 Billboard No. 1 hits and sold more than 260 million digital downloads.
“American Idol” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.
“THE BACHELOR WINTER GAMES”
America’s favorite participants from past seasons of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” from arch rivals to villains, will take competitive dating to a chilling new level. In an ode to the Winter Olympic Games and slated to premiere in February 2018, “The Bachelor Winter Games” will reunite the all-stars at a luxurious winter resort, where they will go head-to-head in winter-themed athletic challenges, including the toughest sport of all—love.
“The Bachelor Winter Games” is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton to executive produce.
“DANCING WITH THE STARS JUNIOR”
A fresh new take on an established favorite, “Dancing with the Stars Junior” will pair celebrity kids and kids of celebrities with professional junior ballroom dancers to perform choreographed routines, which will be judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts, to be announced at a later date.
Slated to debut in Spring 2018, “Dancing with the Stars Junior” is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions.
NEW SPECIALS
“THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY: THE LITTLE MERMAID LIVE!”
In a two-hour special event, ABC will take the iconic “The Little Mermaid” animated feature film and intertwine it with show stopping LIVE musical performances via cutting-edge technology for an explosive evening honoring one of Walt Disney’s most celebrated classics. Fans of “The Little Mermaid” and Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s Oscar-winning songs will enjoy this never-before-seen live action/animation hybrid television experience featuring a soon-to-be announced roster of some of their favorite celebrity artists, whose performances will weave seamlessly throughout the original animated film.
“The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live!” is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 3. The special is produced by Done + Dusted with Hamish Hamilton, Ian Stewart, David Jammy, Katy Mullan, and Richard Kraft, of Kraft-Engel Productions, serving as executive producers.
“ROLLING STONE 50”
For half a century, Rolling Stone has remained an iconic and important voice in American music, culture and politics. Now, the people who have told their stories through the Rolling Stone lens are coming together to reflect on the last 50 years. “Rolling Stone 50” will pay homage to the brand’s influence and impact through a curated journey of its most seminal moments. Live from New York City, the three-hour special television event, set to debut Wednesday, February 7, 2018, will showcase live performances, short films, iconic on-stage moments, never-before-seen musical pairings, and celebrities that have shaped pop culture, music and politics.
The special is a production of Done + Dusted and Wenner Media. Jann Wenner and Gus Wenner of Wenner Media and Ian Stewart, David Jammy and Katy Mullan of Done + Dusted serve as executive producers.
2018 Academy Awards: Jimmy Kimmel returns as host
May 16, 2017
The following is a press release from ABC:
For a second consecutive year, late-night talk show favorite Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the Oscars telecast, and Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd will produce, Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced today. The 90th Academy Awards will air live on the ABC Television Network and broadcast outlets worldwide on Oscar® Sunday, March 4, 2018.
“Jimmy, Mike and Jennifer are truly an Oscar Dream Team,” said Boone Isaacs. “Mike and Jennifer produced a beautiful show that was visually stunning. And Jimmy proved, from his opening monologue all the way through a finale we could never have imagined, that he is one our finest hosts in Oscar history.”
“Hosting the Oscars was a highlight of my career and I am grateful to Cheryl, Dawn and the Academy for asking me to return to work with two of my favorite people, Mike De Luca and Jennifer Todd,” said Kimmel. ”If you think we screwed up the ending this year, wait until you see what we have planned for the 90th anniversary show!”
“It’s not often you get two chances to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and even more rare to be handed the keys to a party 90 years in the making,” said De Luca and Todd. ”We always thought the idea that anything can happen on the Oscars was a cliché until we lived it.”
“Our Oscars team this year delivered a show that hit every high note,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “Jimmy brought back the essence and light touch of the greatest hosts of Oscars’ past. Mike and Jennifer’s love of movies is infectious and touched every aspect of the show. This is the perfect team to lead us into the ninth decade.”
“After just one year, we can’t imagine anyone else hosting The Oscars. Jimmy’s skillful command of the stage is invaluable on a night when anything can happen—and does,” said Channing Dungey, president, ABC Entertainment. “With Mike and Jennifer at the helm, we’re ready for another unforgettable show that will dazzle, delight and, most importantly, honor 90 years of Hollywood’s most prestigious award.”
Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of the Emmy®-winning “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” ABC’s late-night talk show. Now in its 15th season, “JKL” has earned six Emmy nominations in the Outstanding Variety Series Talk category, the Writing for a Variety Series category, and the Variety, Music or Comedy Series category.
De Luca earned Best Picture Oscar nominations for producing “Captain Phillips,” “Moneyball” and “The Social Network.” He is credited on more than 60 films, including the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy, “Blow,” “Magnolia,” “American History X” and “Boogie Nights.” He is a former president of production at Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks and New Line Cinema.
Todd is currently president of Pearl Street Films, the production company founded by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, where she produced “Live by Night” and executive produced last year’s “Jason Bourne.” Her other credits include such films as “Alice through the Looking Glass,” “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Across the Universe,” “Prime,” “Memento,” “Boiler Room” and the “Austin Powers” films. Todd earned an Emmy nomination for her work on the HBO television movie “If These Walls Could Talk 2.”
The 90th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
2017 TV Upfronts: What to expect this year
May 10, 2017
by Carla Hay
Every year in May, the major TV networks present their shows for the upcoming season to advertisers and other major clients at the Upfronts—when the networks announce which shows have been cancelled and which shows are new to the schedule. Sneak previews, “sizzle reels” and TV stars are presented on stage, and there are numerous after-parties. Here’s a summary of what to expect from the networks that will have presentations from May 15 to May 18, 2017, during the most high-profile Upfronts week this year.
May 15, 2017
NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal will have its upfront presentation for its broadcast and cable networks at Radio City Music Hall, 10:30 a.m. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises will hold a private concert at Hammerstein Ballroom at 6:30 p.m. NBCUniversal’s private after-party will be at Del Posto at 9 p.m.
Already renewed:
- The Blacklist
- Blindspot
- The Carmichael Show
- Chicago Fire
- Chicago Med
- Chicago P.D.
- The Good Place
- Great News
- Law & Order: SVU
- The Night Shift
- Shades of Blue
- Superstore
- Taken
- This Is Us
- Timeless
- The Voice
- The Wall
Could be renewed or cancelled:
- The Celebrity Apprentice
- Chicago Justice
- First Dates
- Little Big Shots
- Trial & Error
Already cancelled:
- Aquarius
- The Blacklist: Redemption
- Emerald City
- Grimm
- Powerless
Fox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBwyEur4LUQ
Fox will have its upfront presentation at the Beacon Theatre at 4 p.m., followed by the Fox after-party at Wollman Rink.
Already renewed:
- Bob’s Burgers
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Empire
- The Exorcist
- Family Guy
- Gotham
- Hell’s Kitchen
- The Last Man on Earth
- Lethal Weapon
- Lucifer
- The Mick
- New Girl
- The Simpsons
- Star
- The X-Files
Could be renewed or cancelled:
- 24: Legacy
- Kicking and Screaming
- MasterChef Junior
- My Kitchen Rules
- Prison Break
- Scream Queens
Already cancelled:
- APB
- Bones
- Making History
- Pitch
- Rosewood
- Sleepy Hollow
- Son of Zorn
May 16, 2017
ABC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poXVN4Oct4Q
ABC will have its upfront presentation at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall at 4 p.m.
Already renewed:
- American Housewife
- The Bachelor
- Black-ish
- Dancing With the Stars
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Designated Survivor
- Fresh Off the Boat
- The Goldbergs
- How to Get Away With Murder
- Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
- The Middle
- Modern Family
- Once Upon a Time
- Scandal
- Shark Tank
- Speechless
Could be renewed or cancelled:
- America’s Funniest Home Videos
- Beyond the Tank
- Quantico
- The Toy Box
Already cancelled:
- American Crime
- The Catch
- Conviction
- Dr. Ken
- Imaginary Mary
- Last Man Standing
- Notorious
- The Real O’Neals
- Secrets and Lies
- Time After Time
Also on May 16:
- ESPN’s upfront presentation will take place at Minskoff Theatre at 9:15 a.m. In early May, ESPN fired numerous on-air employees, so the network’s shows will look very different for the 2017-2018 season.
- Univision’s upfront Presentation will take place at the Lyric Theatre at 11.a.m.
May 17, 2017
CBS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tas6hMcLmHs
CBS will hold a Press Breakfast at CBS headquarters’ Studio 19 at 8:30 a.m. The network’s upfront presentation will be at Carnegie Hall at 4 p.m., followed by the after-party at the Plaza Hotel.
Already renewed:
- The Amazing Race
- The Big Bang Theory
- Blue Bloods
- Bull
- Criminal Minds
- Elementary
- Hawaii Five-O
- Kevin Can Wait
- Life in Pieces
- MacGyver
- Madam Secretary
- Man With a Plan
- Mom
- NCIS
- NCIS: Los Angeles
- NCIS: New Orleans
- Scorpion
- Superior Donuts
- Survivor
- Zoo
Could be renewed or cancelled:
- Code Black
- Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders
- The Great Indoors
- Hunted
- The Odd Couple
- Undercover Boss
Already cancelled:
- 2 Broke Girls
- Doubt
- Pure Genius
- Ransom
- Training Day
Also on May 17:
Turner—which includes TNT, TBS, truTV, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, CNN, HLN, CNN International TCM, Boomerang and Turner Sports—will have its upfront presentation at the Theater at Madison Square Garden at 10:15 a.m. Adult Swim will have a party headlined by Drake at Terminal 5 at 9 p.m., while truTV will have a party at Stage 48 at 11:30 p.m.
May 18, 2017
The CW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFUQX3SSCgg
The CW will have its upfront presentation at New York City Center at 11 a.m., while the network’s party will be held at a private location at 7 p.m.
Already renewed:
- Arrow
- Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
- DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
- The Flash
- Jane the Virgin
- Riverdale
- Supergirl
- Supernatural
- The 100
Could be renewed or canceled:
- iZombie
- The Originals
Already canceled:
- Frequency
- No Tomorrow
- Reign
- The Vampire Diaries
‘American Idol’ revival: How bringing back the show will affect reality TV
May 9, 2017
by Carla Hay
ABC is reviving “American Idol,” which will return in the 2017-2018 season, according to an announcement made by the network. A press release states that ABC has “closed an agreement with producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group … A host and judges will be announced at a later time.”
The original incarnation of the singing contest “American Idol” was televised on Fox from 2002 to 2016. During 2003 to 2006, “American Idol” was the highest-rated TV show in the United States, garnering an average of 27 million viewers per episode when the show was at its peak. “American Idol” was responsible for making several of its participants world-famous, including original judge Simon Cowell, host Ryan Seacrest and former “American Idol” winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. Other former “Idol” contestants who went on to great success include Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Jordin Sparks, Chris Daughtry and Fantasia Barrino. Fox ended the show due to declining ratings and high production costs.
During “American Idol’s” original run, ABC tried and failed several times to have its own hit music-based talent contest by offering forgettable flops such as “Rising Star” (2014), “Duets” (2012) and “The Next Great American Band” (2007). Fox also attempted to duplicate the success of “Idol” with the U.S. version of “The X Factor,” which lasted from 2011 to 2013 before it was cancelled because of disappointing ratings.
In 2011, the singing contest “The Voice” premiered on NBC, and became an immediate hit with viewers and critics. While “Idol” faltered and “The X Factor” faded away, “The Voice” became the highest-rated singing talent contest in the United States, although “The Voice” could never have the blockbuster ratings that “American Idol” had in its heyday. There were some reports that NBC was in talks to bring “American Idol” to the network, but in the end, it looks like NBC didn’t want to make the same mistake that Fox did with “The X Factor,” by having two major singing contests on the same network.
Seacrest has publicly stated that he wants to host “American Idol” again. He recently signed on to host the New York-based “Live” daytime weekday talk show with Kelly Ripa, so it’s unknown how he could work Los Angeles-based “American Idol” into his schedule. “Live” is distributed by ABC, and Seacrest has a long relationship with ABC; he also hosts ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
Cowell is unlikely to return to “Idol” since he’s under contract to be a judge and executive producer on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Other past “American Idol judges include Paula Adbul, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr.
“The Voice” has invested in getting major current hitmakers to sit on the judges’ panel, including Adam Levine (lead singer of Maroon 5), Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Pharrell Williams, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus and Cee-Lo Green. The right group of judges who are still relevant in the music industry has been the key to the success of “The Voice,” which has won multiple Emmys, so it will be interesting to see if the new “American Idol” will copy that same strategy.
“The Voice” has a winning formula so far, and it is unlikely to change that formula because “American Idol” is being revived. What will likely change are some familiar aspects of “American Idol” in order to distinguish it from the Fox version of the show. It remains to be seen if ABC’s “American Idol” will surpass the ratings of “Dancing With the Stars,” which is currently ABC’s highest-rated reality show.
May 16, 2017 UPDATE:
ABC has officially announced that Katy Perry will be a judge on the rebooted “American Idol.” Perry issued this statement: “I am honored and thrilled to be the first judge bringing back the ‘American Idol’ tradition of making dreams come true for incredible talents with authentic personalities and real stories. I’m always listening to new music, and love discovering diamonds in the rough – from mentoring young artists on my label, or highlighting new artists on my tours, I want to bring it back to the music.”
JULY 20, 2017 UPDATE:
As expected, ABC has announced that Ryan Seacrest will return to host “American Idol.”
Here is the press release:
Ryan Seacrest named permanent co-host of ‘Live’ with Kelly Ripa
May 1, 2017
Ryan Seacrest has joined “Live” to co-host the talk show with Kelly Ripa. He replaces Michael Strahan, who exited the show in 2016 to co-host ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The following is a press release from Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution:
A new era in daytime television began today when Kelly Ripa introduced the permanent co-host joining her on the top-rated, Emmy-winning “Live” franchise: veteran broadcaster Ryan Seacrest is the new co-host of the newly-rechristened “Live with Kelly and Ryan.”
Beginning with today’s inaugural broadcast, Seacrest joins Daytime Emmy Award-winner Ripa as co-host and a fellow executive producer on daytime’s longest-running, #1 entertainment talk show. A staple of modern American pop culture and media, and a household name from his decades on the radio, on television and as an Emmy-winning producer, Seacrest also has been a longtime friend of “Live,” with many guest appearances and multiple co-hosting stints.
“Ryan is a quintessential broadcaster and at the top of his game,” said Ripa. “I am thrilled to start my mornings with him every day, and we are so fortunate at ‘Live’ to have him join the family.” She added, “Ryan is a close friend and his star shines as brightly off camera as it does on. His tremendous success is only matched by his impeccable reputation. Plainly said, everyone loves him, and so will our daily viewers.”
“Not only is Kelly Ripa one of the most talented live hosts in broadcast TV; she’s also become a very dear friend to me over the years. It’s consistently been my privilege and pleasure to work alongside Kelly with all her incredible talents, charm and humor – whether hosting the Disney Christmas Day Parade special with her a decade ago or guest co-hosting alongside her on ‘Live,’ it’s always just been easy and fun to share a set with her, and we have a blast,” said Seacrest. “I’ve been so fortunate in my career to be a part of some incredible TV programs, and I’m excited to join daytime’s top entertainment talk show, and most important, I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather share this new chapter with than Kelly Ripa – she’s a dream broadcast partner, and I can’t wait to start.”
He added: “I also want to genuinely thank Bob Iger, Ben Sherwood, Rebecca Campbell, Dave Davis, Janice Marinelli, and of course Michael Gelman, who all have been incredibly supportive in making this new chapter happen for me.”
Seacrest will make the move to New York immediately to begin his co-hosting duties, and will continue hosting and executive producing “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” his market-topping #1 nationally syndicated LA morning drive-time radio show for iHeartMedia’s 102.7 KIIS-FM, as well as a nationally-syndicated Top 40 radio show. New York’s ABC7, home of “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” will house a brand-new iHeartRadio studio for Seacrest’s New York City location.
Seacrest will also continue as host and executive producer of two large live franchises, E!’s Live from the Red Carpet award shows, as well as ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
“With Ryan, ‘Live’ has a new co-host who is a master of live TV, as well as a terrific interviewer with tens of thousands of hours of live broadcasting experience,” said Michael Gelman, Executive Producer, “Live.” “When you combine those attributes with the talents and experience of the incomparable Kelly Ripa, you have two skilled and entertaining broadcasters, with great chemistry. Add in an experienced production team and a successful 30-year franchise and you have the perfect combination.”
“One of the secrets to ‘Live’s’ decades of success in daytime is the relatability of our hosts and their ability to deeply connect with the audience. Ryan has a charm and charisma that resonate with his devoted TV and radio audiences, and together, he and the remarkable Kelly Ripa will take ‘Live’ to a whole new level. We’re delighted to introduce this extraordinary new team of Kelly and Ryan to our family of ‘Live’ station partners and millions of viewers,” said Janice Marinelli, President, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution.
“For four decades, WABC has been the proud home of ‘Live.’ With this announcement, the show begins another amazing era, and we couldn’t be more excited to have a true broadcaster like Ryan Seacrest join the legendary Kelly Ripa as co-host. Our viewers are in for a real treat,” said Rebecca Campbell, President, ABC Owned Stations & ABC Daytime.
“Live with Kelly and Ryan” is distributed in national syndication by Disney|ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution. The show is produced by WABC-TV in New York and executive produced by Michael Gelman, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest. Visit “Live” on Facebook and Instagram (@LiveKellyandRyan), and Twitter and SnapChat (@LiveKellyRyan).