• Network: ABC , FOX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 11, 2002
Season #: 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Negative: 3 out of 14

Critic Reviews

  1. Reviewed by: Robert Hilburn
    Jun 19, 2013
    30
    The biggest misconception about "American Idol" is that industry pros would actually spend 90 seconds listening to these mostly drab performers--as the judges do on the hit TV show that mixes the Cinderella aspects of "Star Search" with the humiliation of "Survivor." ... The fact that these six are supposed to be the best of 10,000 original candidates is sobering. Then again, the show--with its glitz and inbred dumbness--is hardly designed to find the next Kurt Cobain or Ryan Adams.
  2. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Andrew Ryan
    Jun 19, 2013
    20
    It is the show that just won't go away. ... It's a seedier version of Star Search or Ted Mack's Amateur Hour. Those were corny showcases for fledgling talent. American Idol is a study in nastiness. [27 Aug 2002]
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Steve Johnson
    May 21, 2013
    20
    [A] blockheaded version of a high school talent show. ... What could be more stultifying than the way this non-celebrity sing-off crams product placement into the viewer's field of vision, everything from the Big Gulp-size Coca-Cola cups on the judges' table to the contestants being forced to enact a troglodytic skit while inside a Ford Focus? [26 Aug 2002]
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 31
  2. Negative: 11 out of 31
  1. Jan 18, 2015
    0
    The biggest waist of time on television. I've never bought a single album or song from any of the vapid lounge singers that this show hasThe biggest waist of time on television. I've never bought a single album or song from any of the vapid lounge singers that this show has produced. The fact that this show has given rise to Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell alone is reason enough to despise it. It's depressing to know that more people will vote on this show than voted in the last election. This show serves as a barometer to the state of our country. Full Review »
  2. Apr 2, 2018
    8
    American Idol is a reality show that I really enjoy. What really draws me to the show is just how real it is. The judges and contestants areAmerican Idol is a reality show that I really enjoy. What really draws me to the show is just how real it is. The judges and contestants are all unique with their own personality and it works so well. Most television shows today are chock full of bad acting and obvious scripture but what happens on this show really affects the lives of its cast. The judges have iconic personalities that are so distinguishable anyone who watches television knows who they are. Simon for instance has that notorious personality for being the brutally honest judge that's well known for hurting many feelings. Then there's the actual contestants. Watching someone rise from so little is a sight to behold and the emotion behind all of it makes the show truly worth watching. I recommend this show to anyone that watches reality television. Full Review »
  3. Mar 13, 2018
    10
    Great Episode,Katy Perry it's incredible in TV,so Genious and Corage to stare the critic,i love it