FOX Orders Three More Seasons of 'Idol' Despite Cowell's 2010 Anticipated Exit

The Hollywood Reporter reveals that FOX has ordered three more seasons of American Idol.  FOX's current deal with American Idol producers, FremantleMedia and 19 Productions, runs through 2011 but the new deal guarantees three additional seasons of the show.

This announcement comes just days after Simon Cowell's brother, Tony Cowell, revealed on his weekly The Cowell Factor podcast that Simon would be leaving the show in 2010 to concentrate on other ventures.  Said Tony, "A press statement is being prepared which will confirm what everybody expected: Simon will leave Idol at the end of 2010 to concentrate on bringing the American version of The X Factor to U.S. TV in 2011."

Reportedly, the network is hoping to sign Simon Cowell on for one additional season after the new deal is finalized.

FOX has announced that it will be giving the inaugural week of American Idol's new season a few extra minutes - 15 to be exact. The show's Wednesday, January 13 installment will now run 75 minutes, pushing the launch of Our Little Genius to 9:15/8:15c. Genius however will only run for 45 minutes on that night.

As previously announced, season nine of Idol bows on Tuesday, January 12 at 8:00/7:00c with a two-hour premiere.

The early 2010 American Idol premiere will run as follows:

Tuesday, January 12
8:00/7:00c - "American Idol" (Two-Hour Season Premiere)

Wednesday, January 13
8:00/7:00c - "American Idol" (75-Minute Episode)
9:15/8:15c - "Our Little Genius" (45-Minute Series Premiere)

Tuesday, January 19
8:00/7:00c - "American Idol"
9:00/8:00c - "Our Little Genius" (Time Period Premiere)

As previously reported, FOX's winter line-up features the usual favorites, in addition to some new additions. New to the schedule is the new game show Our Little Genius, and a new drama, Past Life that will air on Thursday nights. FOX will also premiere a new season of Kitchen Nightmares on Fridays after Dollhouse completes its run. Other additions include Human Target, and Sons of Tucson. 

The eighth season of 24 gets its usual two-night, four-hour premiere on Jan. 17 and 18, and will air on Mondays at 9pm starting January 25.  

Lie to Me has been picked up for a second time and will return to the network in the late spring. The 20th anniversary celebration of The Simpsons, will air January 10, marking the show's 450th episode.

Fringe will go on hiatus for the winter/spring and return on April 1, while GLEE will be returning on April 13 on Tuesdays at 9pm. 

For more information, visit www.fox.com.

 

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