Well, it’s really happening: ABC is indeed going to make more American Idol, the network announced Tuesday morning. The reboot of Fox’s long-running competition series will arrive sometime during the upcoming television season. “American Idol is a pop-culture staple that left the air too soon,” ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said in a statement. “ABC is the right home to reignite the fan base. We are thrilled viewers will once again share in these inspiring stories of people realizing their dreams.”
The idea that the show was gone too soon is certainly debatable—as many on Twitter have argued—especially given how its clout declined over its initial run. Still, the ratings, though in decline, remained impressive, according to The Hollywood Reporter. THR also noted that it’s still unclear who will serve as the on-air talent shepherding and insulting the wannabe pop stars. Host Ryan Seacrest, meanwhile, just took a job as Kelly Ripa’s Live cohost; though THR argues that he “seemingly has a full plate,” we‘d venture to bet he’ll be involved in one way or another.