ABC Developing New Music Competition Show “Who’s In The Band”

Disney has had great success with music competition series such as “American Idol” and it is once again looking to this format for a new show for ABC.

Deadline has reported that ABC has ordered a new proof-of-concept taping of “Who’s In The Band” which is a talent search for the next “One Direction” or “Little Mix”.

Simon Cowell will be a judge on the panel, along with Joe Jonas, Mel B, and songwriter Savan Kotecha. To tap into the success of the Netflix hit, KPop Demon Hunters, Rei Ami, will be hosting the show.

The official description for the taping states:

You’re officially invited to the biggest new TV event of the year, searching for the next One Direction or Little Mix!

Join host REI AMI – Zoey from KPop Demon Hunters, and judges: SIMON COWELL, MEL B, JOE JONAS, & SAVAN KOTECHA live in the studio as they audition insanely talented teens from the UK & US to form the next global pop phenomenon!

So grab your FREE tickets now for you and all your mates and get ready for:
Non-stop hit songs!
Big vibes!
Real A-Listers!
Next-level performances!

From the creators and label behind One Direction and the year’s biggest hit K-Pop Demon Hunters, this is pop culture history in the making!

Don’t sleep on it — tickets are super limited! Be there, be loud, and witness the birth of the world’s next big thing!

The test shoot is going to be filmed at Eastbrook Studios in London on October 30th 2025. It is being developed by Richard Bacon’s Yes Yes Media, with Mark Sidaway producing it.  Tickets are available by clicking here 

It’s important to note that this proof-of-concept taping for “Who’s In The Band” isn’t going to be broadcast, as it’s an early test to see if it’ll work, before they then make any tweaks or changes needed to turn it into a real show. Should the test shoot go well, hopefully, this could be a potential new addition to ABC’s roster of shows, that also get released on Hulu and Disney+.

Roger’s Take: Having a new music competition series doesn’t necessarily sound anything too exciting and bringing in already established judges from other shows doesn’t exactly feel fresh. Personally, I think they need something different, as the idea of finding the next pop band feels like something from decades ago, rather than a concept for a new generation of fans.

Are you interested in “Who’s In The Band”? Let me know on social media!