The X Factor was a singing competition series that ran for fifteen series in the UK, producing such stars as Leona Lewis, One Direction, and Little Mix. Despite its early popularity, the show has not aired a new episode since 2018. Why was it canceled?
Why Was The X Factor Canceled?
Ratings for The X Factor had been declining for years before its eventual cancellation. Between 2010 and 2018, viewership reportedly fell by over 50 percent. In 2019, showrunner Simon Cowell chose to take a break from the traditional format, launching two spin-off shows – The X Factor: Celebrity and The X Factor: The Band.
Despite Cowell’s attempts to revive the show, ITV announced in 2021 that there were currently no plans for another series of The X Factor. A source said at the time that the show had become “slightly stale.”
“Simon remains at the top of his game and knows how to make a hit. He owns the rights to the show, and it’s his call — not ITV’s — whether or not he drops it,” the source shared. “Clearly the last thing he wants is for The X Factor to fizzle out with a whimper and become a bit of a joke. It is still on the back-burner and there’s the option to return it in 2023.”
Indeed, there were reports in 2022 that the series would be returning the following year on Channel 5 in the UK. However, this rumored revival didn’t end up happening, and there is currently no news about another X Factor series.
Could the U.S. Version of the Show Return?
The X Factor also aired for a brief time in the United States, most famously producing the girl group Fifth Harmony. However, the show only lasted three seasons before being canceled in 2013.
In 2022, it was reported that the American version of the competition could be returning on NBC. However, like the rumored UK revival, nothing ever came of it, and the show still has not returned stateside.
In 2022, Cowell spoke to Talent Recap about the possibility of The X Factor making a comeback, and if he wanted to return to the show as a judge. He didn’t rule anything out.
“The only reason I would make the show again is if there was a purpose for making the show,” Cowell shared. “Like we set out in the first place. Do artists need a platform like that still? The answer is probably yes. So it’s more likely than not.”
What do you think? Should The X Factor finally return, either in the UK or the U.S.? Let us know on X!
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
