Netflix is reviving Star Search, the iconic talent competition that originally aired from 1983 to 1995 and helped launch the careers of stars like Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Dave Chappelle, and Adam Sandler. The reboot will bring the format into the streaming era, airing live episodes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, complete with real-time voting from viewers to determine which contestants advance.
Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, best known for his Emmy-nominated role on Black-ish, will serve as host. Anderson is no stranger to live television—he has previously hosted the NAACP Image Awards, guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Entertainment Tonight, and even led the Emmys in 2024.
In a statement, Anderson expressed excitement about introducing Star Search to a new generation:
“I’m super excited to host this new chapter of Star Search and to introduce such an iconic format to a whole new generation, especially on a global stage like Netflix. The range of talent we’re going to see is going to blow you away.”
The new Star Search will spotlight performers across multiple categories, including:
- Music
- Dance
- Comedy
- Variety acts
- Magic
- Junior performers
Each episode will feature head-to-head competitions, with viewers voting in real time to decide who moves forward. This interactive format is designed to capture the immediacy and excitement of live talent competitions while leveraging Netflix’s global reach.
Originally hosted by Ed McMahon, Star Search became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s and 1990s. It briefly returned in 2003–2004 with Arsenio Hall as host, but Netflix’s reboot marks the first major revival in over two decades.
By combining nostalgia with modern streaming technology, Netflix aims to reintroduce the show to longtime fans while attracting new audiences worldwide.
With Anthony Anderson as host, a January 13, 2026, premiere date, and a format that blends classic talent competition with interactive streaming, Netflix’s Star Search reboot is poised to be one of the most talked-about entertainment launches of the year.
