If no longer a supernova, Idol remains a hit, and it's the only one of the current singing shows to have produced real stars. It may be the most successful show in TV history in terms of ratings dominance and what it has done for its network, Adgate says. Even today, "If Fox decided to cancel this show, the other three would pick it up, no questions asked."
"It's still a Top 3 or 4 show (in young adults). I don't think in its second year I would have guessed it would still be so strong in its 12th year," says Fox reality chief Mike Darnell. "It still has an enormously loyal audience. When you look at contemporary shows that started with us, say, Survivor, it's still on the air but it's not doing near the numbers Idol still does. It's really a television miracle."
Will finals help 'American Idol' regain its edge?
"It's still a Top 3 or 4 show (in young adults). I don't think in its second year I would have guessed it would still be so strong in its 12th year," says Fox reality chief Mike Darnell. "It still has an enormously loyal audience. When you look at contemporary shows that started with us, say, Survivor, it's still on the air but it's not doing near the numbers Idol still does. It's really a television miracle."
Will finals help 'American Idol' regain its edge?