The American Idol series was once the highest-rated show on television. Those days are now long gone but the series still does well for ABC in the ratings. After 20 seasons, does the show still have a bright future? Will American Idol be cancelled or renewed for season 21? Stay tuned. *Status Update Below.
A singing competition series, the American Idol TV show features returning judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan in season 20 (the fifth season on ABC). Ryan Seacrest returns as host. After making it through the nationwide audition process, the contestant pool is narrowed through a series of elimination rounds. Once the contest reaches the semi-finals, although the judges offer their criticism, the decision to keep or cut a performer is up to the viewing audience. For a specified window of time, fans may vote for their favorites, via phone calls, text messages, and online. The winner claims the “American Idol” title and a recording contract.
The ratings are typically the best indication of a show’s chances of staying on the air. The higher the ratings, the better the chances of survival. This chart will be updated as new ratings data becomes available.
5/23 update: You can see the latest night’s ratings in context.
Note: If you’re not seeing the updated chart, please try reloading the page or view it here.
For comparisons: The Monday episodes of season 19 of American Idol on ABC averaged a 0.87 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 6.03 million viewers. The Tuesday episodes of season 19 of American Idol on ABC averaged a 0.69 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 4.85 million viewers.
Note: These are the final national ratings, including all live+same day viewing and DVR playback (through 3:00 AM). Early fast affiliate ratings (estimates) are indicated with an “*”. While these numbers don’t include further delayed or streaming viewing, they are a very good indicator of how a show is performing, especially when compared to others on the same channel. There can be other economic factors involved in a show’s fate, but typically the higher-rated series are renewed and the lower-rated ones are cancelled.
What do you think? Do you like the American Idol TV series on ABC? Should it be cancelled or renewed for a 21st season?
*5/14/22 update: American Idol has been renewed for a 21st season by ABC.
I watch American Idol every season and I love it better each year. Idol has discovered so many of our current singers/stars. This show is so much better than the Voice or any other talent show. I thoroughly enjoyed the 2022 season and the final two, Noah and Hunter Girl, were truly the very best of the entire season and I believe both will become big country entertainers. Thank you AI for another fantastic season!!
I enjoy watching Idol every year. It is far better than the Voice and other talent shows. There are so many stars discovered on the Idol stage. The 2022 season was very enjoyable and the final winners were truly the very best choices. Thanks AI for another great season!!!
I love Idol and my hubby and I have been watching it for years…but I would like to see the night the top 10 or whatever sing like maybe on the last show and then show the clip where they sang the first time they interviewed to see how they have improved thru the season…
Cancelled American idol awful not same without Simon Cowell need to end stupid singing reality show. The Voice, Songland are the best currently days . Look forward to seeing it every week . Crap crap .
The voting bloc is biased; The winner of American Idol is usually a White guy with a guitar. This has to stop.
Does anyone even remember who the winner was from the last 10 years ? It’s all about the judges not the people singing. When Idol first started not many people knew Simon or even Randy and Paula had not had a hit in ten years. So it was all about the raw talent out there and everyone routed on them and they became household names. Carrie , Kelly, Jennifer Hudson , Adam Lambert , Fantasia even Clay Aiken. All had successful careers and hit albums. Then J-Lo became a judge and the show went down the tubes. It was about… Read more »
American Idol is just like the bachelor/bachelorette, it’s the same thing every time. The difference with American idol is every person is an individual with individual skills!