Skip to content
Still from American Idol

TV show · reality

American Idol

Since 2018 · 10 seasons, 166 episodes · still running

Ray checks whether this show is for you and remembers where you stopped.

Start with Ray

Where to watch American Idol

See which services have this show in the US, with what audio and at what price.

Check where to watch

A free account is all it takes.I already have an account

Seasons and episodes American Idol

Season scores: TMDB, out of 10.

Season 1

2018 · 19 episodes · about 39h · 1.0/10

Still: Auditions1. Auditions124 min · 1.0/10

The nationwide search for the next superstar kicked off in August, as the Idol Bus traveled from Portland, Oregon, to Orlando, Florida, in its pursuit for talent, covering 23 cities across the country. Auditioning was made easier than ever as hopefuls also had the opportunity to submit audition videos online, as well as via select social media platforms using an official tag, #TheNextIdol, cultivating over 300,000 posts. Also, for the first time in “American Idol” history, hopefuls had the opportunity to audition through a livestream platform.

Still: Auditions2. Auditions124 min

In episode two of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a shoe salesman from Washington D.C., a construction worker from Southern California and a student from Louisiana, sing their hearts out for the judges to see if they have what it takes to earn a ticket to Hollywood.

Still: Auditions3. Auditions124 min

American Idol heads to Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City and Savannah, as the search for America's next superstar continues. In episode three of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a cattle farmer from Texas, twin teenagers from Southern California and a furniture salesman from Illinois, sing their hearts out for the judges to see if they have what it takes to earn a ticket to Hollywood.

Still: Auditions4. Auditions124 min

American Idol heads to Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans and New York City, as the search for America's next superstar continues. In episode four of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a teacher from Michigan, a construction worker from Alabama and a goat farmer from Oklahoma, sing their hearts out for the judges to see if they have what it takes to earn a ticket to Hollywood.

Still: Auditions5. Auditions124 min

In episode five of auditions, Idol hopefuls, including a choreographer from Tennessee, a hostess from Colorado and a personal assistant from Alabama, sing their hearts out for the judges to see if they have what it takes to earn a ticket to Hollywood.

Still: Hollywood Week6. Hollywood Week124 min

In this first episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country head to the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood to battle it out in solo and group performances, singing their hearts out in hopes of making it through to the showcase round.

Still: Hollywood Week7. Hollywood Week124 min

In this second episode of Hollywood Week, Idol hopefuls from across the country gather at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood to battle it out in solo performances, singing their hearts out in hopes of making it through to the Showcase Round.

Still: Showcase & Final Judgment8. Showcase & Final Judgment124 min

Idol hopefuls head to Exchange LA in downtown Los Angeles for the Showcase Round, where contestants perform solos in front of a live crowd and the judges. Following the performances, the judges sit down with each contestant for the Final Judgment and reveal which finalists made it through to the Top 24.

Still: Top 24 Solos9. Top 24 Solos124 min

As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform solos at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America's next superstar continues on its new home on America's network.

Still: Top 24 Celebrity Duets10. Top 24 Celebrity Duets124 min

As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America's next superstar continues on its new home on America's network.

Still: Top 24 Solos11. Top 24 Solos124 min

As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform solos at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America's next superstar continues. Nationally-syndicated host of iHeartMedia's "The Bobby Bones Show" and New York Times best-selling author Bobby Bones returns as a mentor for the top 24 contestants, meeting with each contender and helping them to reach the next level in their artistry and performances.

Still: Top 24 Celebrity Duets12. Top 24 Celebrity Duets124 min

As the pool has been narrowed to the top 24 contestants, 12 of the top 24 finalists perform duets with celebrity partners at Academy LA in Hollywood during this week in the competition, as the search for America's next superstar continues.

Still: Top 1413. Top 14124 min

After solo and celebrity duet performances with the Top 24 contestants, the judges narrowed down the field to the Top 14 finalists. Now the judges are handing over the reigns to America to start voting on who they want to crown the next Idol, as the search for America's next superstar continues.

Still: Top 10 Reveal14. Top 10 Reveal124 min

America's overnight vote from Sunday will solidify the safety of the six contestants with the most votes. Those that are safe will perform a victory song, and the eight contestants who are in jeopardy will sing to impress the judges. The judges will choose four contestants to join America's top six picks, pushing 10 talented Idol hopefuls one step closer to stardom.

Still: Disney Night15. Disney Night124 min

American Idol heads to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland Parks and Resorts, then returns to the Idol stage with a sprinkle of magic to perform fan-favorite Disney songs.

Still: Top 716. Top 7124 min

American Idol breaks more boundaries as the show pays tribute to music luminary Prince. The Top 7 take on the legendary Prince catalogue, paying homage to the late icon in a historic first-time tribute episode by a singing competition series. The tribute continues American Idol's longstanding relationship with the Prince family, following Prince's live performance on the show in 2006. Iconic musician Sheila E., who toured with Prince earlier in her career, performs with American Idol music director, Kris Pooley, and the house band for this special tribute.

Still: Top 517. Top 5124 min

In this episode in honor of Mother's Day, the Top 5 finalists will sing songs dedicated to moms, in addition to performing from the catalogue of American Idol alum and seven time GRAMMY® winner Carrie Underwood. The Top 5 finalists were surprised with a trip to Nashville and the opportunity to learn from Underwood while she served as superstar guest mentor for the week. Underwood will also perform her hit single, "Cry Pretty," which she co-wrote and co-produced, from the Idol stage on Sunday.

Still: Performance Finals18. Performance Finals124 min

In part one of the two-night season finale, the Top 3 finalists visit their hometowns to celebrate their time on the show then return to the Idol stage for their last chance to win America's vote, as the search for America's next superstar continues.

Still: Grand Finale19. Grand Finale124 min

The winner of Season 1 of American Idol on ABC is finally crowned. Leading up to the big reveal with amazing performances by music superstars and legends, including our very own American Idol judges, the search for America's next superstar comes to a close.

Season summaries10 seasons, 166 episodes

Season 1

2018 · 19 episodes · about 39h · TMDB 1.0

Season 2

2019 · 19 episodes

Season 3

2020 · 16 episodes

Season 4

2021 · 19 episodes · TMDB 8.0

Season 5

2022 · 20 episodes

Season 6

2023 · 20 episodes · TMDB 8.4

Season 7

2024 · 18 episodes · TMDB 10.0

Season 8

2025 · 19 episodes · TMDB 6.0

Season 9

2026 · 16 episodes · TMDB 10.0

Season 25

0 episodes

Episodes run about 124 min. Still running. No date for the next season yet.

Is it worth watching? American Idol

Ray’s take

Is this show for you? Ray answers after a short chat about what you like, and remembers what you’ve seen.

Start with RayIt’s free.

Reception

On other sites

  • TMDB6.7/1031 votes

What is it about? American Idol

Heading back to where it all began.

The iconic series that revolutionized the television landscape by pioneering the music competition genre is back!

Genre: reality. Themes: competition, judge, talent, music competition, aspiring singer, singer.

Cast and crew American Idol

All

Creators

  • NetworkABC
Full cast216 cast members across all seasons

Cast:

Crew:

Shows like this American Idol

Details American Idol

Poster: American Idol
First episode
March 11, 2018
Last episode
May 11, 2026
Status
still running
Network
ABC
Country
United States
Original language
English
Rating
TV-PG
Studios
FremantleMedia North America, 19 Entertainment

Frequently asked questions

How many seasons does American Idol have?

10 seasons, 166 episodes. The last episode aired May 11, 2026.

Who’s in American Idol?

Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Bobby Bones, Carrie Underwood, Raquel Trinidad, Kate Barnette, Ryan Hammond, and Brett Young.

Sources: TMDB (title data, images). As of November 13, 2026. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. · Ta strona po polsku