Seacrest started hosting "American Idol" in 2002. In the show's first season, he hosted the show with comedian Brian Dunkleman. Dunkleman left the show after the first season, leaving Seacrest as the show's only host. "American Idol" went on to be a very successful show, making Seacrest a well-known television personality. "American Idol" is seen by 26 million people weekly.