Nigel Lythgoe Bringing ‘Fame’ Back to Television

“American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe will bring the classic 1980 film musical “Fame” to the small screen.

Lythgoe has teamed up with MGM Television to re-imagine the musical that follows the lives of students as they struggle toward success. The new production will be set in the present.

“In my lifetime, I’ve discovered a great many incredibly talented individuals,” Lythgoe said in a statement. “Some have achieved stardom. Simultaneously, I’ve seen many dreams shattered, egos destroyed and lives changed forever. The end destination may well be fame and fortune, but the road to stardom is littered with broken hearts. I look forward to stripping away the glitter and glamour and revealing the true mixture of passion, humanity, exhaustion and sacrifice that these richly talented individuals endure on their road to fame.”

Lythgoe, who also worked on “So You Think You Can Dance” will serve as executive producer, along with Kary McHoul, Charles Segars and Chad Gutstein. No writers or cast have yet been announced.

“This is a great opportunity for MGM to partner with world-class producer Nigel Lythgoe, whose unmatched experiencing with telling the true stories of talented people striving for success will set ‘Fame’ apart,” said Roma Khanna, MGM’s president of television and digital. “We are excited to work with Nigel, Charles and the team to identify a talented writer to create the new ‘Fame’ – one that reflects the struggles and joys unique to the multitude of aspiring talent today.”

A big screen version of “Fame” was produced in 2009 and starred Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally and Bebe Neuwirth. Directed by Kevin Tanchareon, the film did not do well at the box office.

The original film version of “Fame” was released in 1980, and the first stage version of the show appeared in Miami in 1988. A West End version opened in 1995.