'American Idol' Leaves Hollywood for Georgia After 24 Years
After more than two decades in Los Angeles, "American Idol" moves production to an Atlanta-area studio for its 25th season. Producer Fremantle confirmed the shift, drawn by Georgia's 20% film tax credit plus a 10% uplift. California's expanded incentive excludes competition shows budgeted under $1M per episode.
Idol's exit is a blow to reality production in California, where unscripted shoot days fell 40% year-on-year in Q2 and overall shoot days dropped nearly 13%. It follows "Shark Tank," "Lego Masters," "The Masked Singer" and "Family Feud" out of the state — evidence that last year's expanded credit isn't reaching the shows leaving.
Fremantle is in final talks with an Atlanta-area studio; the deal is not yet signed. Season 25 auditions began in August and run through September. L.A. officials say they will cut red tape and strengthen incentives.
2002 — Idol debuts, broadcast live from Los Angeles
Jul 2026 — ABC renews for Season 25
Aug 2026 — Season 25 auditions open
16 Sep 2026 — Fremantle confirms Georgia move
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