How many seasons does American Idol have?

American Idol has 9 seasons and 166 episodes.

Is American Idol renewed or canceled?

American Idol is currently returning. The next episode airs May 4, 2026.

Where can I watch American Idol?

American Idol is available on ABC. You can stream it on Hulu.

When is the next episode of American Idol?

The next episode of American Idol (S9 E15) airs on May 4, 2026.

American Idol

Name: American Idol
Genre: Reality
Released: 2018-03-11
Rating: 6.641
Cast: Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood

RETURNING9 Seasons166 Episodes★ 6.6

NetworkABC

First AiredMar 11, 2018

Last AiredApr 6, 2026

GenreReality

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

NEXT EPISODE

S9 E15915 (Class of 2006: Reunion / Idol X DWTS)May 4, 20264d

WHERE TO WATCH

Hulu

Data via JustWatch / TMDB

Cast

Ryan Seacrest

Self - Host

Lionel Richie

Self - Judge

Luke Bryan

Self - Judge

Carrie Underwood

Self - Judge

Seasons & Episodes9 seasons · 166 episodes

0% complete

E1901 (Auditions)

Jan 26, 202686m

Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan welcome the newest class of hopefuls to Idol University in Nashville, where future stars take their first steps toward becoming the next "American Idol."

E2902 (Auditions)

Feb 2, 202686m

Auditions continue, with hopefuls stepping into the spotlight and delivering unforgettable performances.

E3903 (Auditions)

Feb 9, 202686m

The stakes continue to rise as additional hopefuls face the judges with electrifying performances, each vying for a chance at the coveted golden ticket.

E4904 (Auditions)

Feb 16, 202686m

In the final week of auditions, rising stars deliver showstopping performances that stun Luke, Lionel, Carrie and Ryan, setting the stage for Hollywood Week.

E5905 (Hollywood Week in Music City (1))

Feb 23, 202686m

For the first time, Idol is bringing Hollywood Week to Music City as hopefuls take the stage for a make-or-break performance and face the biggest Hollywood Week cut in Idol history.

E6906 (Hollywood Week in Music City (2))

Mar 2, 202686m

Hollywood Week in Music City continues, pushing hopefuls to their maximum potential as they compete to wow the judges; in the end, only 30 move forward.

E7907 ('Ohana Round)

Mar 9, 202686m

At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i, hopefuls take the stage to perform for their own families, industry tastemakers and their fellow hopefuls; 20 contestants move forward.

E8908 (Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i (1))

Mar 16, 202686m

As the competition continues at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi, Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer mentor the Top 20 hopefuls. Keke also serves as a guest judge, while Iam Tongi and Thunderstorm Artis perform.

E9909 (Top 20 at Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawai'i (2))

Mar 23, 202686m

In the final week at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i, Brad Paisley and Keke Palmer continue mentoring the top 20 hopefuls, Keke returns to the judging panel and takes the stage for a performance, Skip Marley performs.

E10Songs of Faith

Mar 30, 202689m

The hopefuls lift their voices in inspiring songs of faith, 12 finalists continue on the journey to become the next singing sensation.

E11911 (90s Judges' Song Contest)

Apr 6, 202685m

The Top 12 perform '90s hits secretly picked by Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie or Carrie Underwood; stars of ABC's "TGIF" '90s lineup hang with the hopefuls in the lounge as America votes for the Top 11.

E12912 (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

Apr 13, 202685m

The Top 11 perform iconic hits from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees; inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026 ceremony are revealed.

E13913 (Disney Night)

Apr 20, 202685m

The Top 9 bring iconic Disney songs to life as America votes live to decide which seven finalists move one step closer to their dream of becoming the next "American Idol."

E14914 (Celebrating Taylor Swift on American Idol)

Apr 27, 202685m

The Top 7 celebrate Taylor Swift's chart-topping hits and defining eras as America votes live to reveal the Top 5; a salute to California's biggest artists; Nikki Glaser guest judges.

E15

E15915 (Class of 2006: Reunion / Idol X DWTS)UPCOMING

May 4, 2026

E16

E16916 (Grand Finale)UPCOMING

May 11, 2026

About American Idol

American Idol is a reality series on ABC. The show first aired on Mar 11, 2018 and currently has 9 seasons and 166 episodes. American Idol has been renewed and is returning for more episodes. The next episode airs on May 4, 2026. It has a rating of 6.6/10 based on 32 votes. The cast includes Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood.