“American Idol” has only been off the air a year, but seems it’s still the hottest property out there, because we’ve learned ABC has now made an offer to buy the show.

Sources at ABC and Fremantle — the company that owns the show — tell TMZ the network contacted Fremantle last week and made the bid. We’re told the network wanted to reboot the show for a March 2018 premiere.

We’re also told ABC inquired about making Ryan Seacrest the host, but even last week the network knew it was on the verge of signing Ryan as co-host of ‘Live’ with Kelly Ripa. As a result, we’re told ABC asked if the show could be shot in New York, which is now Ryan’s home base. Our sources say Fremantle made it clear … NYC was a no-go. The show will be shot in L.A.

We’re told Ryan hasn’t been approached by ABC about hosting the show and our ABC sources say it’s virtually out of the question, given his commitment to ‘Live.’

TMZ broke the story … NBC and FOX were in a bidding war a few months ago to get the show, but Fremantle stopped negotiating because of squabbling with CORE, co-owner of ‘A.I.’

Our sources say Fremantle is going back to CORE to see if they can agree to negotiate with ABC, and go back to NBC and FOX.”

The gist of the report: ABC has reportedly stepped in with an offer to acquire and relaunch American Idol, aiming for a potential March premiere. According to those same sources, ABC floated the idea of Ryan Seacrest returning as host, but logistical and contractual realities appear to complicate that possibility. Fremantle, which owns the franchise, has been in talks involving other networks as well, and CORE — a co-owner of the format — remains a key negotiating partner.

Why ABC Wants American Idol

American Idol is one of those legacy reality formats that still carries strong brand recognition and an established audience. For a broadcast network looking to strengthen its unscripted lineup, a proven competition show can be attractive: it delivers appointment viewing, advertiser interest, and potential cross-platform tie-ins. That combination likely explains why multiple networks, including NBC and FOX in earlier rounds, and now reportedly ABC, have shown interest.

Host Questions and Ryan Seacrest

Ryan Seacrest is closely associated with American Idol, having been its long-time host during the franchise’s most successful years. That association makes him a natural candidate in any reboot conversation. However, according to the reporting, Seacrest’s likely commitment to the morning program Live with Kelly Ripa — which is based in New York — makes a full-time return to Idol complicated. ABC reportedly asked if production could move to New York to accommodate Seacrest, but Fremantle indicated that production will remain in Los Angeles.

Production Location: L.A. vs. New York

Production location isn’t just a matter of convenience for a host. It affects crew, studio availability, union regulations, tax incentives, and creative logistics like where judges and contestants can gather. Fremantle’s stance that the show will be shot in Los Angeles suggests they want to keep the production ecosystem and resources in place where Idol has historically operated.

Negotiations and Stakeholders

The report also notes that Fremantle paused earlier negotiations with NBC and FOX because of disagreements with CORE, a co-owner of the Idol format. Now, with ABC in the picture, Fremantle reportedly plans to return to CORE to seek agreement on moving forward. Any deal will require alignment among the format’s rights holders, the producing partner, and the network — and those discussions can be complex and time-consuming.

What’s Likely and What’s Not

At this stage the story reads as early-stage negotiations and exploratory outreach rather than a done deal. Networks regularly shop for proven formats and meet with rights holders; not every meeting results in a final agreement. The potential for an Idol relaunch remains real, but many moving parts must align: rights agreements between Fremantle and CORE, a confirmed network partner, production plans, and a hosting arrangement that fits the chosen schedule and location.

I don’t know how excited I can get about an American Idol without Ryan Seacrest at the helm. His presence was central to the original series’ identity for many viewers. That said, a reboot can succeed with a fresh approach if it respects what made the show popular while updating elements for today’s TV landscape. For now, I’ll remain skeptical until a network, the producers, and the key partners publicly confirm the reboot and its creative team.