The network is in early talks to revive the reality competition, which hasn't even been off the air for a year.

It hasn't even been a year since American Idol ended, but the former TV juggernaut could soon be coming back — potentially on the network that prompted its ratings dive.

Sources confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that NBC has indeed had talks with producers FremantleMedia about the possibility of bringing back American Idol on the top-rated network. Adding another big reality franchise would certainly fit with the NBC strategy, which is aggressive on alternative, but it would have to share the airwaves with The Voice. Broadcast's dominant reality show, which ended Idol's stunning streak shortly after its 2011 premiere, already airs two cycles a season.

Few in reality thought American Idol was gone for good when Fox shut it down after 15 seasons, but a broadcast return this soon seemed unlikely. Still, Fremantle has been aggressive in trying to find a new home for the once-global franchise. NBC declined to comment, and reps for Fremantle did not immediately respond.

Even though it is premature, the suggestion of American Idol back on the Big Four is a bit of a head-scratcher. It was a shell of its former self when it finally wrapped up, averaging a 3.0 rating among adults 18-49 and 11 million viewers in its final season.