american idol is an american reality-singing competition series created by simon fuller, produced by 19 entertainment, and distributed by fremantlemedia north america. it aired on fox from june 11, 2002 to april 7, 2016, as an addition to the idols format based on the british series pop idol and has since become one of the most successful shows in the history of american television. on march 11, 2018, the 16th season aired on abc.