American Idol is back for its 24th season in 2026, bringing fresh changes alongside the familiar faces fans have come to love. The long-running singing competition, airing on ABC, premieres this week with a new weekly schedule and continued star power.
Host Ryan Seacrest returns as the face of the show, maintaining his iconic role after hosting solo since Season 2. Seacrest also continues his duties on Wheel of Fortune, solidifying his presence in the TV spotlight. The judging panel remains unchanged, featuring Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie, whose chemistry continues to steer the competition.
One of the most notable updates for Season 24 is its streamlined broadcast schedule. Unlike previous seasons that aired on both Sundays and Mondays, new episodes will now premiere exclusively on Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT, starting with the Season 24 premiere on January 26.
Fans can catch American Idol live on ABC or stream episodes the following day on Hulu. The streaming service offers an ad-supported plan starting at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually, with discounts available for students.
As anticipation builds, viewers are eager to see who will rise to stardom in this exciting new season of American Idol.
