ABC gets close to deal for ‘American Idol’ return

ABC gets close to deal for ‘American Idol’ return

Just one year after singing goodbye on Fox, American Idol could be back on ABC during the 2017-18 TV season.

The network has a “framework” for a deal with Idol producer FremantleMedia, according to a person familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly. An agreement has not been finalized.

Variety first reported Friday afternoon that ABC and FremantleMedia had laid the groundwork on a deal to revive the one-time ratings juggernaut. The trade publication says the show could get a Sunday time slot and return in March, when it could get a pre-launch promotional boost from the top-rated Oscars.

ABC declined comment on the matter.

Talk…