‘American Idol’ Among Five ABC Unscripted Pickups, ‘Bachelor’ Still in Limbo

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ABC has extended a number of its unscripted programs for the 2025-26 season, yet it’s uncertain about the future of one of its oldest reality series.

The network confirmed on Friday that it has secured additional seasons of shows such as “American Idol“, “America’s Funniest Home Videos”, “Celebrity Jeopardy!”, “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune”, and “Shark Tank” for the upcoming season. These join previously renewed shows like “Dancing With the Stars” and “The Bachelorette” in the 2025-26 lineup. Additionally, “Bachelor in Paradise”, “Celebrity Family Feud”, a new version of “Match Game” hosted by Martin Short, “Press Your Luck”, and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” are scheduled for summer broadcasts.

Noteworthily, absent from the renewal lineup are long-time ABC hits, “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette”, which have been key shows for the network throughout much of the 21st century. This year, ABC has opted to forego its typical summer airing of “The Bachelorette”, while “The Bachelor” showrunners Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner have recently parted ways with the franchise following accusations of a toxic and hostile work environment (Freeland and Graebner have refuted these allegations through their legal representation).

Reports indicate that no final decisions have been reached regarding “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” at this point. Given that “The Bachelor” usually films during the fall for a January debut, there’s still time for ABC to make a decision and arrange things accordingly if they choose to stick with their regular schedule.

In 2025-26, the revamped version of “American Idol” will start its ninth season on ABC, marking its 24th overall (including its previous run on Fox). Meanwhile, ABC’s longest-running unscripted program, “AFV,” is gearing up for its 36th season in the fall. Additionally, “Shark Tank” has been renewed for season 17, while “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” and “Celebrity Jeopardy!” are set for their sixth and fourth seasons respectively.

The network has refreshed seven scripted series (including 911, Abbott Elementary, High Potential, Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie, Shifting Gears, and Will Trent) and has also commissioned a straight-to-series order for the spinoff of 911 titled 911: Nashville. As for the first-year drama Doctor Odyssey, ABC is still undecided.

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2025-05-09 20:54