American Idol is moving its production from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area in Georgia for its upcoming 25th season, according to Deadline. Fremantle, which produces the ABC music competition series with Sony Pictures Television-backed 19 Entertainment, confirmed the relocation, citing financial incentives as unscripted television production in Los Angeles continues a sharp multi-year decline.
Why American Idol is Leaving Los Angeles for Georgia
The decision to relocate the long-running franchise is primarily driven by financial incentives offered outside of California, according to Deadline. Georgia provides up to a 30% tax credit for unscripted and reality television productions that spend a minimum of $500,000 within the state. Fremantle is currently in final talks with an Atlanta-area studio complex, though a formal deal has not yet been signed, per Deadline reporting.
Georgia has steadily built a reputation as a major production hub outside Los Angeles and New York. The state has previously hosted scripted blockbusters like Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World and WandaVision, alongside unscripted shows such as Fox’s The 1% Club and ABC’s Press Your Luck, hosted by Elizabeth Banks, according to Deadline.
Did you know? American Idol spent its first 15 seasons as a ratings powerhouse on Fox, broadcast out of Los Angeles, before ABC revived the series in 2018, according to the New York Post.
The Decline of Unscripted Production in Los Angeles
The departure of American Idol hits the Los Angeles unscripted sector amid a steep downturn. FilmLA production data shows that unscripted productions recorded 40% fewer shoot days in Los Angeles during the second quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter of 2025. Over a five-year span, unscripted production in the city has dropped by 62.7%, according to FilmLA figures cited by Deadline.
This exit marks the second major music competition series to leave California within a 12-month period. Earlier, Fox moved The Masked Singer to New Jersey for its 15th season. New Jersey’s program offers a 30% tax credit on qualified expenses and up to 40% for specific studio projects, while welcoming unscripted formats broadly.
Why American Idol Did Not Qualify for California Tax Credits
California lawmakers passed AB 1138 last year to expand the state’s film and television tax-credit program, introducing incentives for unscripted productions for the first time. However, eligibility is strictly restricted to “large-scale competition shows” carrying a minimum budget of $1 million per episode, according to Deadline.
Despite appearing to meet those financial thresholds, American Idol did not qualify for the California tax credit. The exclusion of traditional reality programs, game shows, talk shows, and docufollow formats under the legislation has sparked frustration among local producers, per Deadline.
What to Expect for Season 25
ABC renewed American Idol for Season 25 in July. The series recently filmed at Red Studios in Hollywood and has rolled out several format updates recently, including social voting, moving Hollywood Week to Nashville, Tennessee, shifting its broadcast night to Monday, and streaming live on Disney+, according to Deadline.
Host Ryan Seacrest is expected to return alongside judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, though their deals are still being finalized, per Deadline. Megan Michaels Wolflick continues to serve as showrunner for the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is American Idol filming for Season 25?
Production is shifting from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area in Georgia, with Fremantle in final talks with a local studio complex, according to Deadline.
Why is American Idol leaving Los Angeles?
The relocation is primarily driven by Georgia’s tax incentive program, which offers up to a 30% tax credit for unscripted productions spending at least $500,000 in the state, per Deadline.
Who hosts and judges American Idol?
Ryan Seacrest hosts the competition, with Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood serving as judges, according to Deadline.
When does Season 25 of American Idol premiere?
Season 25 is scheduled to premiere in 2027, according to Deadline.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about American Idol moving its production across the country? Drop a comment below and share this article with fellow fans!
Related reading