'American Idol' finds a new home in Georgia for season 25

'American Idol' is moving production from Los Angeles to Georgia for season 25, with tax breaks helping drive the move

American Idol is moving production from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area in Georgia for its upcoming 25th season, making it the latest major unscripted television series to leave California.

Fremantle, which produces the ABC singing competition with Sony Pictures Television-backed 19 Entertainment, confirmed the production move. The series is expected to premiere its new season in 2027.

Fremantle is reportedly in final discussions with a studio complex in the Atlanta area, although a deal has not yet been signed.

Georgia has become a major production hub in the United States, offering tax incentives for film and television projects. The state provides a tax credit of up to 30% for unscripted and reality television productions that spend at least $500,000 in Georgia.

The move comes as unscripted production in Los Angeles continues to decline. FilmLA data showed that reality and unscripted productions recorded 40% fewer shoot days in Los Angeles during the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Over the past five years, unscripted production in the city has fallen by 62.7%.

American Idol follows Fox’s The Masked Singer, which moved production from California to New Jersey for its 15th season. New Jersey offers production tax incentives that apply to unscripted programming.

California expanded its film and television tax credit programme last year to include certain unscripted productions. However, American Idol reportedly did not qualify under the updated system.

The move marks another change for American Idol, which was renewed for season 25 in July. The upcoming season is expected to feature judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood, although their contracts are still being finalised. Megan Michaels Wolflick continues as showrunner.