ABC has renewed some favorite reality television shows, including American Idol and The Bachelor. Both shows have been huge successes for the network over the years. American Idol has been ABC's No. 1 series for the season in total viewers. ABC has already canceled scripted shows Big Sky, Alaska Daily, and The Company You Keep.
According to Variety, American Idol season 22 has been renewed, which will be its seventh on ABC after being revived following its 15-year run on FOX. The news was confirmed on the American Idol Instagram page.
In addition, The Bachelor season 28 is also official, along with Bachelor in Paradise season 9 and Shark Tank season 15. Fans of Bachelor in Paradise can breathe a sigh of relief as there were questions over whether the show would return after ABC announced that Dancing With The Stars will return to the network after airing exclusively on Disney Plus last fall. Also, The Conners, Not Dead Yet, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Celebrity Jeopardy, and America's Funniest Home Videos have all been renewed.
ABC's Fall 2023 Schedule Features Mostly Unscripted Shows
According to TV Line, the ABC fall 2023 schedule features mostly unscripted television due to the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) strike. On Mondays, ABC will air DWTS at 8 p.m. EDT, followed by The Golden Bachelor. Tuesdays will feature Celebrity Jeopardy!, followed by Bachelor in Paradise. On Wednesdays, Judge Steve Harvey airs with Abbott Elementary reruns and What Would You Do? Thursdays will have game shows like Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Press Your Luck, and The $100,000 Pyramid. On Fridays, ABC will air Shark Tank followed by 20/20. Saturdays are for College Football, while Sundays will feature America's Funniest Home Videos and The Wonderful World of Disney.
American Idol and The Bachelor are two of ABC's staple shows that have huge fan followings. It is no surprise that they were renewed for another season. It will be interesting to see what changes, if any, come to The Bachelor after creator Mike Fleiss' exit from the franchise. Bachelor in Paradise could also experience behind-the-scenes shake-ups. The long-awaited Golden Bachelor will also be an interesting addition to the franchise, as older contestants search for love.
ABC has planned for the effects of the WGA strike on their fall programming. Because of the strike, reality television will dominate the fall schedule. American Idol and The Bachelor will most likely have their normal winter premiere dates. However, they are so successful and beloved that they would've been renewed under any circumstances. Their new seasons will be much-anticipated.
The American Idol season 21 finale airs Sunday, May 21 at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Sources: Variety, American Idol/Instagram, TV Line