New Live host Ryan Seacrest 'could return to American Idol (and fly cross-country) for ABC'... as network negotiations heat up

By Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 10:26 EDT, 5 May 2017 | Updated: 12:09 EDT, 5 May 2017

Ryan Seacrest is a hot commodity.

As he just started a new gig at Live With Kelly And Ryan earlier this week, a new report indicates he is in consideration to come back to an old one. 

The 42-year-old host is seen as the 'franchise' to American Idol and as ABC is in serious talks to acquire the show, the media mogul could also be returning according to a Friday report from TMZ.

Signature gig: Ryan Seacrest is seen as the 'franchise' to American Idol and the media mogul could also be returning according to a Friday report from TMZ

Signature gig: Ryan Seacrest is seen as the 'franchise' to American Idol and as ABC is in serious talks to acquire the show, the media mogul could also be returning according to a Friday report from TMZ

Man of many talents: The 42-year-old television personality just started his gig at Live With Kelly And Ryan this week

Man of many talents: The 42-year-old television personality just started his gig at Live With Kelly And Ryan this week

One hurdle may be that Ryan's new gig has him in New York City and the reality competition show films in LA but the publication insists that distance could be overcome with some clever planning.

Fremantle produces the show and allegedly has always wanted Seacrest to return as host of Idol and as they are reportedly far along in negotiations with ABC, it could be a perfect fit.

According to TMZ, the Disney-owned network inquired if the show could actually be filmed in the Big Apple but Fremantle shot down that idea and insisted that it had to be done in LA.

Jetset: As he films Live in New York and Idol is shot in LA that could pose as a challenge for Ryan but TMZ insists that clever planning could make a reality, as he is pictured at LAX in 2015

Jetset: As he films Live in New York and Idol is shot in LA that could pose as a challenge for Ryan but TMZ insists that clever planning could make a reality, as he is pictured at LAX in 2015

Interesting: Fremantle produces the show and allegedly has always wanted Seacrest to return as host of Idol and as they are reportedly far along in negotiations with ABC, it could be a perfect fit

Interesting: Fremantle produces the show and allegedly has always wanted Seacrest to return as host of Idol and as they are reportedly far along in negotiations with ABC, it could be a perfect fit

As Fremantle is keen on having the show on Sundays, it could make things very interesting if the television personality wanted to juggle both gigs. 

The gossip site even cooked up a scenario in which Ryan could take private jets straight from Live tapings to Los Angeles, hosting the show on Sundays, returning to the chat show on Monday morning, then hosting the Idol results show on Tuesday night.

It appears to be pure speculation, however, as TMZ reports that ABC has not reached out to Seacrest about the possible hosting gig.

They also report that if the network acquires the coveted show, they would like to announce it at the Upfronts which are in two weeks.

Tremendous trio: It is unknown who would appear on the judging panel, which in season 15 was made up of country boy Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and actor/singer Harry Connick Jr.

Tremendous trio: It is unknown who would appear on the judging panel, which in season 15 was made up of country boy Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and actor/singer Harry Connick Jr.

However one hiccup could be that TMZ's sources believe that ABC would love to counter-program American Idol on Monday nights which would make it impossible for Seacrest to host from the opposite coast.

The plan would see the show return to the small screen in March 2018.

It is unknown who would appear on the judging panel, which in season 15 was made up of country boy Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and actor/singer Harry Connick Jr. 

Regardless, Seacrest seems to be fitting in perfectly with new co-host Kelly Ripa as he was announced as the permanent replacement on Live earlier this week.

Honeymoon phase: Regardless, Seacrest seems to be fitting in perfectly with new co-host Kelly Ripa as he was announced as the permanent replacement on Live earlier this week

Honeymoon phase: Regardless, Seacrest seems to be fitting in perfectly with new co-host Kelly Ripa as he was announced as the permanent replacement on Live earlier this week

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