As “American Idol” continues to whittle down its talented group of 2026 contestants, the live two-hour show on April 6 won’t just feature the Top 12 singing their hearts out. In addition, seven celebrities who starred in ABC’s popular TGIF sitcoms in the 90s will appear, including numerous familiar faces for Hallmark fans.
Holly Robinson Peete Will Be Part of the ‘American Idol’ 90s Reunion
HallmarkSeason 24 of “American Idol” has an “Idol U” theme, with multiple “class reunions” planned, such as a 20th anniversary show with the show’s 2006 finalists, including winner Taylor Hicks. The April 6 episode will feature the annual Judges’ Song Contest, when Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie choose the songs contestants will sing.
This year, they’re focusing on 90s tunes, so producers are staging a reunion of stars whose shows were hugely popular during that decade. Longtime Hallmark star Holly Robinson-Peete is one of the celebrities set to appear, alongside Mark Curry, her co-star on “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper.”
Robinson Peete, whose most recent Hallmark movie was 2025’s “Hats Off to Love,” told Entertainment Tonight in 2025 that she and Curry would love to do a reboot of their sitcom, which aired from 1992 to 1997. She did say Raven-Symone was “not quite feeling it” yet, but was hopeful they’ll convince other cast members to return.
Hallmark Channel Alums Will Be Part of ‘American Idol’ 90s Night, Too
GettyRobinson Peete won’t be the only familiar face for Hallmark fans. The group of seven 90s sitcom stars appearing on “American Idol” also includes Caroline Rhea and Danica McKellar.
Rhea starred with Melissa Joan Hart and Beth Broderick in “Sabrina The Teenage Witch” from 1997 to 2003. She has also appeared in two Hallmark movies: 2024’s “Holiday Mismatch” with Broderick and 2021’s “A Mrs. Miracle Christmas.”
McKellar was known in the 90s for her role as Winnie on “The Wonder Years” from 1988 to 1993. She was also a fan-favorite on Hallmark Channel from 2015 to 2021, until she signed an exclusive deal with Great American Family. McKellar’s many Hallmark movies still replay on the network periodically.
Rounding out the group of 90s stars who will appear on “American Idol” are “Full House” alum Andrea Barber, “Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel, and Reginald VelJohnson from “Family Matters.” The live episode airs on April 6 starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
