NBC’s talent competition, America’s Got Talent, is definitely returning for another season. Disappointment in Season 20 sparked rumors that the show was over, but NBC renewed it for Season 21. But will all of the judges return? Keep reading for an inside look at the rumors that fan-favorite judge Howie Mandel is leaving.

America’s Got Talent Shaking Things Up For Season 21

America’s Got Talent has seen a lot of judges come and go over the show’s twenty seasons. Howie Mandel is the longest-running judge, recently celebrating his fifteenth season. He joined in Season 4 after actor David Hasselhoff left.

Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, and Spice Girl Mel B joined him at the judges’ table for Season 20. But a lot of fans were disappointed in the season that just wrapped up in September.
‘AGT’ judges Howie Mandel, Mel B., Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell/Credit: YouTube
They felt the talent was unimpressive and that the judges played favorites. Longtime fans of the NBC show believe the show should shake things up before filming Season 21. Does that mean a change in judges?

Howie Mandel Not Returning?

Howie Mandel recently opened up about a family crisis he’s been dealing with for a few years. Recent news about his career sparked speculation that he might leave AGT to spend more time with his family.

The comedian lives in Hollywood Hills, California, now, but he grew up in Toronto, Canada. He is set to return to his home country later this year for a wonderful new opportunity. The seasoned TV star was tapped to host a new Canadian spinoff of The Price Is Right. 

The game show begins filming around December, which is close to when production for Season 21 of AGT starts. America’s Got Talent returns to NBC in early 2026. Howie Mandel also hosts Canada’s Got Talent. 

The beloved actor told the Cochrane Eagle why it means so much to him to host a show in his home country. “What I love to do and what I’m really excited to do is to play a game in Canada with my people, where you don’t have to think about [the divisiveness in the U.S.]” He called the game show “pure escapism.”

Fans Have Shocking Reaction

The details of the new season of AGT are still under wraps. But fans shared their reaction to the possibility that Howie Mandel won’t return for Season 21. Surprisingly, a lot of fans of the show think it is time for him to leave.

“Oh please let Howie be gone! He’s always so negative and has no expertise beyond comedy”
“Stop teasing us. This would be great news.”
“I hope it’s true! He has been there longer than any other judge. Time for a real shake up of AGT!”
“Good! He’s insufferable.”
“Good, and he can take Mel B with him. They’re incredibly annoying”
“Bring on someone younger.”
“The shock factor on his face for those idiotic telepathy acts won’t be missed if he does leave.”
“How about the entire show not return for season 21. The show has played out.”

It appears that Howie Mandel isn’t beloved by viewers after all. Tell us in the comments if you agree that it’s time for him to leave AGT and make room for new blood.