‘X Factor’ In 2012 - Pollstar News

For those watching “X Factor,” there’s good news: It’ll be around next year, too.

Simon Cowell’s U.S. version of his successful U.K. talent contest has been a hit and a disappointment. The show has increased Fox television’s Thursday nights to the top spot in the 18-49 age range – the best in the network’s history. It’s also clocked other reality TV shows like “Survivor” (we checked – it’s sill on the air), “Dancing With The Stars,” “The Amazing Race” (also still on the air) and others.

Photo: AP Photo

In this June 6, 2010 file photo, British music mogul Simon Cowell attends the British Academy Television Awards in London.

Fox’s president of alternative entertainment, Mike Darnell, said it was a “no brainer” to renew the series.

However, it can be considered a disappointment because Cowell touted a nightly viewership of 20 million. Turns out, in a TV world saturated with performance contests, the show has wound up with a very respectable 13 million average. Which is good – not “Modern Family” good, but still good.

But not so good that Fox hasn’t reportedly reimbursed advertisers for the difference between projections and reality.