‘The X Factor’ Reboot In The Works At Fox

EXCLUSIVE: The X Factor could make a return to U.S. screens with Fox working on a reboot of the hit British entertainment format.

Deadline understands that a new take on the show is in development at the broadcaster, which aired a U.S. version for three seasons beginning in 2011.

The new version, which has been in the works for some time, is set to add some new twists to the format, which was created by Simon Cowell. We hear that it is set to feature contestants living in a house together. Fox has found success with this approach on its recent reboot of Fear Factor, hosted by Johnny Knoxville. Insiders said that the new take will have “more sizzle” than previous iterations.

The project comes from Fremantle, which produced the original version, and Mischief & Wonder, founded by Sydney-based producers Emma Lamb and Leigh Aramberri, who have worked on Australian versions of shows such as The Voice, Married At First Sight and The Amazing Race. The duo are helping the develop the show, but it’s not clear what their involvement will be with a potential series.

While the reboot has not been officially given a greenlight, a decision is expected to be made soon. It’s not clear where the show would shoot, if handed a series order, but the producers are eyeing a California tax credit, which could mean they shoot in Los Angeles.

The X Factor has been off air in the U.S. since 2013 and in the UK since 2018, although there were two spinoffs in Britain featuring celebrities and bands. There have been press reports in the UK that ITV is also looking to bring the show back.

The franchise has discovered artists who have sold more than 150M records worldwide including 130 number ones. The most successful act to emerge from the U.S. version was Fifth Harmony.

There was talk four years ago that Cowell was plotting to bring the show back with NBC as part of a wider deal he struck with the company.

When The X Factor launched in the U.S. in 2011 it was hosted by Steve Jones with Cowell as a judge alongside L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger. Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian took over hosting for season two with only Lopez returning for season three. Other judges over the three seasons including Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland, and Paulina Rubio.

Interestingly, Rob Wade, who is now CEO of Fox Entertainment, was an exec producer of the original version of The X Factor in the U.S.