American Idol American Idol logo Format Interactive reality game show Created by Simon Fuller Directed by John Pritchett (live shows) Bruce Gowers (live shows, 2002-2008) Nigel Lythgoe (audition shows, 2002-2008) Ken Warwick (audition shows) Presented by Ryan Seacrest (2002 - present) Brian Dunkleman (2002) Judges Simon Cowell (2002 - present) Paula Abdul (2002 - present) Randy Jackson (2002 - present) Kara DioGuardi (2009 - present) Country of origin United States No. of seasons 8 No. of episodes 272 (List of episodes) Production Executive producer(s) Nigel Lythgoe (2002-2008) Ken Warwick Cecile Frot-Coutaz Location(s) Initial auditions: Various Hollywood auditions: Orpheum Theatre, Ontario, CA Semi-finals and finals: CBS Television City Finale: Nokia Theatre Running time Varies Production company(s) FremantleMedia North America 19 Television Distributor FremantleMedia Enterprises Broadcast Original channel FOX Picture format 480i (NTSC), 720p (HDTV) (since 2006) Original run June 11, 2002 – Present External links Official website IMDb profile TV.com summary For the current season, see American Idol (Season 8). American Idol, with the full title American Idol: The