After “The Masked Singer” wraps up its “Lucky Season 13” on Wednesday night, Fox is giving the show a bit of a breather. The network is set to unveil a fall schedule on Monday that won’t include the hit singing competition for the first time in several years — saving Season 14 until January 2026.
The news will also be revealed on Wednesday night’s finale. Per a network statement, “Among Fox’s most enduring signature shows is The Masked Singer with a truly devoted fanbase. This juggernaut will return next year for Season 14 as it takes midseason by storm with a spectacular, super-charged new season.”
The network added that the decision to hold off on the new season until January “is a strategic move to give ample runway for America’s favorite guessing game. and allow us to creatively look at enhancing the show with the biggest names at the center of it.”
Premiering on Fox in 2019, “The Masked Singer” features celebrity contestants disguised in extravagant costumes, singing songs for a panel of celebrity judges. The goal is for the contestants to keep their identity hidden, as the judges and audience vote for their favorite singers. The masked celebs with the least number of votes must unveil their true selves. Nick Cannon serves as host, while the panelists include Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg, Rita Ora and Robin Thicke. (Nicole Scherzinger has also served as a panelist.)
Per Fox, “The Masked Singer” has ranked among the top 10 unscripted entertainment programs in each of the seasons it has aired (in adults 18-49 live+7, 19/20-24/25 to date).
Unmasked this season include Taika Waititi as Lucky Duck, Edwin McCain as Nessy, Matthew Lawrence as Paparazzo, Erika Jayne as Yorkie, Method Man as Stud Muffin, Candace Cameron Bure as Cherry Blossom, James Van Der Beek as Griffin, Flavor Flav as Space Ranger, Sheana Shay as Bat, Aubrey O’Day as Ant, Oscar de la Hoya as Fuzzy Peas and Cedric the Entertainer as Honey Pot.
“The Masked Singer” comes from Fox Alternative Entertainment. Rosie Seitchik, Craig Plestis and Cannon are executive producers, while Seitchik serves as showrunner. The series is based on the South Korean format created by Mun Hwa Broadcasting Corp.
Deadline was first with the news of the “Masked Singer” delay.