Here’s why Fox is upset that ‘American Idol’ is returning

Back so soon? “American Idol” is returning immediately after its “farewell” season, but it has a home on a new network: ABC.

The hit singing competition reality show, which spawned stars including Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, finished its purportedly final season on Fox last year. The network bid for the show along with ABC and NBC, but Fox executives wanted to wait to revamp “American Idol” with new creative for a fresh start in 2020, citing a huge drop in ratings over the past few years.

Fox isn’t happy about the new development, calling the return of the show right after its much-hyped farewell season “fraudulent” to fans.

On Tuesday’s “Pat & Stu,” the guys talked about the return of “American Idol” and why the new age of TV lets your favorite shows come back.

“I do like this new free agency of shows thing that’s happening,” Stu said. “I really like this development. It used to be if your show got canceled, you never saw it again. It was over.”

Between broadcast TV and digital streaming, options are plentiful these days as some shows switch networks, while projects like the return of “Arrested Development” can find a home on Netflix or another streaming platform.

To see more from Pat & Stu, visit their channel on TheBlaze and listen live to “Pat & Stu” with Pat Gray, Stu Burguiere and Jeffy Fisher weekdays 5–7 p.m. ET, only on TheBlaze Radio Network.