The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent, contested by aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. Created by Simon Cowell, the show began in September 2004 and has since aired annually from August/September through to December. The show is produced by FremantleMedia’s Thames and Cowell’s production company SYCOtv. It is broadcast on the ITV network in the United Kingdom and TV3 in Ireland, with spin-off behind-the-scenes show The Xtra Factor screened on ITV2. It is the originator of the international The X Factor franchise. The X Factor was devised as a replacement for the highly successful Pop Idol, which was put on indefinite hiatus after its second series, largely because Cowell, who was a judge on Pop Idol, wished to launch a show to which he owned the television rights. The perceived similarity between the two shows later became the subject of a legal dispute. The “X Factor” of the title refers to the undefinable “something” that makes for star quality.

The original judging panel was Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh. Dannii Minogue joined the panel in series 4, and Cheryl Cole replaced Osbourne in series 5 after her departure. After series 7, Cowell and Cole both left to judge the American version of the show whilst Minogue left the show due to commitments on Australia’s Got Talent. Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos and Gary Barlow then joined Walsh on the judging panel for series 8, though Rowland announced she would not return for series 9 and was replaced by Nicole Scherzinger. Osbourne later returned in 2013, replacing Contostavlos. Since 2007, the show has been presented by Dermot O’Leary, who replaced original host Kate Thornton. The show is split into a series of phases, following the contestants from auditions through to the grand finale. In the original televised audition phase of the show, contestants sang in an audition room in front of just the judges. From series 6 onwards, auditionees sing on a stage in front of the judges and a live audience. Successful auditionees go through to “bootcamp” and then to “judges’ houses”, where judges narrow down the acts in their category down to three or four acts to mentor for the live shows, where the public vote for their favourite acts following weekly live performances by the contestants.

In this reality series, a tight-knit group of Deaf and hard of hearing students share their stories and explore life at Gallaudet University.

A stylish group of San Antonio sophisticates with Mexican heritage try to balance their social lives and the demands of raising a family. But, it’s their shared experience of facing the ongoing challenges of American culture, while still finding ways to honor their heritage and traditions, that bonds these ladies with a connection that runs deeper than friendship.

Mother/daughter duo Karen Laine and Mina Starsiak transform dilapidated properties in and around their hometown of Indianapolis. Karen’s legal background and Mina’s real estate knowledge help them secure diamonds in the rough, then they enlist demo and construction help to get the houses rehabilitated on budget and transformed into stunning homes.

Horrifying memories can play back in an endless loop for people who have lost a loved one to murder; these painful recollections may also contain critical clues that can help detectives piece together the final hours of a victim’s life.

Australian version of the reality series where an eligible bachelorette must find true love among a group of guys, one rose at a time.

Polar opposite friends Luke Caldwell and Clint Robertson take an unconventional approach to house flipping in their hometown of Boise, Idaho. While refined designer Luke likes to reach for the stars, rugged contractor Clint remains focused on their bottom line. With an endless inventory of old houses to choose from, the only decision this dynamic duo needs to make is which house to transform next.

Real estate professional Brittany Picolo-Ramos and her team make house hunting fun as they take an enthusiastic approach to buying and selling elegant and historic properties in New Orleans.

Couples decide whether to seek a new residence or transform their existing spaces in this reality show.

Alison Victoria heads to her hometown of Chicago to restore vintage homes in the city’s historic neighborhoods.

A non-fiction investigative series of murder cases told through the personal experience of retired detective, Lieutenant Joe Kenda. Through re-enactments, discussions with investigation teams, and interviews with victims’ families and other involved persons, the show highlights Kenda’s successes with his 400 homicide case history and 92 percent solution rate.

Look out, Los Angeles! Stevie J and Joseline hit the West Coast with their sights set on Hollywood stardom. With Stevie J’s five children in tow – it’s a family affair!