This venerable competition series has consistently done well for ABC in the ratings, often airing twice a week and generating some of the alphabet network’s best ratings in a given season. How long will that trend continue? Will American Idol be cancelled or renewed for season 22? 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 21 (the sixth 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.
5/22 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: On Sunday nights, the 20th season of American Idol on ABC averaged a 0.78 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 5.65 million viewers. On Monday nights, the 20th season averaged a 0.69 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 5.59 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.
*5/16/23 update: American Idol has been renewed for a 22nd season by ABC.
What do you think? Do you like the American Idol TV series on ABC? Should it be cancelled or renewed for a 22nd season?
The format of this remains the same, after no seeing it for probably 15 years i’ve watched S21 and have mostly been impressed by the level of talent, and also the humour and chemistry between the 3 judges. These viewer decides tv shows rarely if ever actually vote for the best singer because fundamentally most people wouldn’t know a good singer from a bad one (look at most ‘musicians’ out there these days), so it becomes about personality, favouritism, or in the case of USA Idol the state or type of music, country vs pop for example. I’m say that… Read more »
I have watched every season of American Idol, very disappointed this year. Whren is the public going to vote for the best singer, instead of a personality contest. this year they sent home the 2 best singers. Come on get your act together.
American Idol awful worst in years now. Not same style anymore
I have watched all but the first season. I sure would like to see them return for yet another season 22. This season 21 promises to be wonderful.
We McDonald is the best was on The Voice won I know her personally at my high school now on American idol fantastic news to hear look forward to seeing it this season so good singer too.