Pakistan Idol is set to make a grand comeback more than a decade after its original run concluded. MHL Global has successfully secured the rights from format distributor Fremantle to revive the popular singing competition series.
The upcoming season of Pakistan Idol will feature a star-studded judging panel comprising actor Fawad Khan, singer Zeb Bangash, qawwali artist Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Strings musician Bilal Maqsood. This revival marks a significant return for the franchise, which last aired in 2014.
The original Pakistan Idol premiered on Geo Entertainment in December 2013 and concluded in April 2014, with Lahore singer Zamad Baig emerging as the winner. The show, judged by Bushra Ansari, Hadiqa Kiani, and Ali Azmat, garnered immense viewer engagement, with a record 1 million votes cast during the finale.
Geo TV initially acquired the Idol format rights in 2007 but faced production delays. The show finally launched in 2013 as the 50th international adaptation of the British Pop Idol format.
MHL Global has ambitious plans for the reboot, intending to air the show simultaneously across five television networks – a first for any Idol franchise worldwide. This multi-platform approach aims to engage diverse audiences across Pakistan’s different regions and languages.
Director of MHL Global, Zoya Merchant, expressed excitement about the partnership with Fremantle for Pakistan Idol, emphasizing that the show represents a cultural movement that will showcase Pakistan’s exceptional musical talent on a national and global stage.
The production will incorporate modern digital engagement alongside traditional television broadcasting. Online auditions are set to begin through the Begin platform, with in-person casting calls scheduled for major cities and remote regions.
Production for the new season is expected to commence later this year, with broadcast details and premiere dates to be announced soon. Stay tuned for more updates on the highly-anticipated return of Pakistan Idol.
