The smash reality series showcases wannabe pop stars competing for a record deal by crooning for a panel of judges. The judges review a performer's talent (or lack thereof), and at-home viewers then vote for their favorite potential star. The show helped launch the careers of such artists as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert.
| Season | From | To | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Seasons | |||
| Specials | September 2002 | February 2020 | 15 |
| Season 1 | June 2002 | September 2002 | 25 |
| Season 2 | January 2003 | May 2003 | 39 |
| Season 3 | January 2004 | May 2004 | 44 |
| Season 4 | January 2005 | May 2005 | 42 |
| Season 5 | January 2006 | May 2006 | 41 |
| Season 6 | January 2007 | May 2007 | 41 |
| Season 7 | January 2008 | May 2008 | 42 |
| Season 8 | January 2009 | May 2009 | 40 |
| Season 9 | January 2010 | May 2010 | 43 |
| Season 10 | January 2011 | May 2011 | 39 |
| Season 11 | January 2012 | May 2012 | 40 |
| Season 12 | January 2013 | May 2013 | 37 |
| Season 13 | January 2014 | May 2014 | 39 |
| Season 14 | January 2015 | May 2015 | 30 |
| Season 15 | January 2016 | April 2016 | 24 |
| Season 16 | March 2018 | May 2018 | 19 |
| Season 17 | March 2019 | May 2019 | 19 |
| Season 18 | February 2020 | May 2020 | 16 |
| Season 19 | February 2021 | May 2021 | 19 |
| Season 20 | February 2022 | May 2022 | 20 |
| Season 21 | February 2023 | May 2023 | 20 |
| Season 22 | February 2024 | May 2024 | 18 |
| Season 23 | March 2025 | 1 | |
| Unassigned Episodes | 1 |
| Season | From | To | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Seasons | |||
| Specials | 0 | ||
| Season 1 | March 2018 | May 2018 | 18 |
| Season 2 | 0 | ||
| Unassigned Episodes | 696 |
| Season | From | To | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 0 | ||
| Unassigned Episodes | 714 |
| Name | Number of Episodes | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruce Gowers | 20 | 10/15/2002 - 05/04/2005 | |
| Nigel Lythgoe | 5 | 01/19/2005 - 02/16/2005 | |
| Ken Warwick | 4 | 01/18/2005 - 02/01/2005 |
| Name | Number of Episodes | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simon Fuller | 1 | 04/14/2009 |
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Who said you have to accept fate? The shows on this list had an encounter (or more) with the grim reaper—or the cancellation bear, if you will—and survived to tell the tale! Check out our collection of shows that beat the odds and got a new lease on life after previously getting the ax, either on the same network that canceled them or on a different network that swooped in to the rescue. This list is also a testament to the power of good storytelling and the strength of a dedicated fanbase, as many of the shows on this list were saved thanks to fans who campaigned hard to keep their beloved show on the air.
So many golden ages, so much brilliance from which to choose. In culling from the "60 Greatest" lists we've compiled during our 60th-anniversary year, we shook things up, blending drama, comedy and other genres to salute the shows with the biggest cultural impact and most enduring influence. What will the next 60 years bring? We can't wait to find out.
From time-capsule sitcoms to cutting-edge Peak-TV dramas — the definitive ranking of the game-changing small-screen classics
From a pioneering variety show from the black-and-white days to two faves on now -- see our No. 1. To see EW's picks of the top 100 all-time greatest TV shows
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