American Idol' Relocates From Los Angeles Amid Industry Changes
WHO:
Los Angeles Times - ABC, Fremantle, 19 Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television, Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), Rep. Brian Jack (R-Ga.), Jon Voight, Steven Paul, Ryan Seacrest, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood.
WHAT:
Los Angeles Times - "American Idol" is relocating from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area after 25 years in Hollywood.
Los Angeles Times - TV production activity in the L.A. region was down 27% in the second quarter compared to the same period a year ago.
Los Angeles Times - The California Film and TV Tax Credit Program expanded eligibility to include competition shows with a minimum budget of $1 million per episode.
Los Angeles Times - The April-June quarter reflected an almost 40% decline in production compared to the same time last year.
Los Angeles Times - The MPA estimated a federal tax credit could add 143,000 film and TV jobs.
WHERE:
Los Angeles Times - "American Idol" is moving to the Atlanta area.
Los Angeles Times - The most recent season originated from Red Studios in Hollywood.
Los Angeles Times - Other shows like "The Masked Singer" are relocating to New Jersey, and "Shark Tank" is moving to Atlanta from Culver City.
WHEN:
Los Angeles Times - ABC announced "American Idol" was returning for its 10th season on the Walt Disney Co. network in late July.
Los Angeles Times - Producers are auditioning potential contestants during stops in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina this week.
WHY:
Los Angeles Times - The move is attributed to declining production levels in Los Angeles and competition from other states offering more lucrative tax credits.
Los Angeles Times - California has struggled to compete despite boosting its tax incentive program.
HOW:
Los Angeles Times - Georgia offers up to a 30% tax credit for reality television productions that spend at least $500,000 in the state.
(UPDATED September 16, 2026 10:40 UTC)
"American Idol" is making a significant move from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area after 25 years in Hollywood, a change driven by declining production levels in California and the allure of more generous tax incentives in other states. This relocation comes as producers are currently auditioning contestants in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with the show set to return for its 10th season on ABC later this year. Meanwhile, other popular shows like "The Masked Singer" are also shifting production, with "Shark Tank" making its way to Atlanta from Culver City, highlighting a broader trend in the industry.