‘Star Search’: Netflix’s Revival Drops Official Trailer

The quintessential talent show from the ’80s is back in a big way as Netflix revives the show that reminded contestants to “keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”

The iconic talent competition, Star Search, will return with host Anthony Anderson for a brand-new, revamped format that will bring live voting on the streaming service. Musician Jelly Roll, actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, and media personality Chrissy Teigen will join the show’s star-studded judging panel.

“The greatest talent competition is back,” said Anderson in the newly released trailer.

And for the first time, viewers can vote on Netflix to determine, in real time, who advances in the competition and who is knocked out. Read below to find out how.

“The live voting feature is a total game-changer,” said Anderson in a statement. “Knowing that fans from all over the world can cast their votes in real time adds a whole new layer of excitement and participation to the mix. It’s like we’re all part of the show and get to be one of the judges.”

Here is everything we know so far about the “world’s greatest talent competition,” including its premiere date, what to expect, and how to vote.

When will Star Search premiere?

Live episodes will air on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9/8c, starting January 20, 2026.

What is Star Search about?

Star Search was a televised talent competition that ran from 1983 to 1995 (and briefly revived in the early ’00s). It featured singers, dancers, comedians, models, and other performers competing in various categories before a panel of judges.

The original Star Search is often regarded as a precursor to modern talent shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent. It helped launch some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry today, including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Adam Sandler, Dave Chappelle, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake, among others.

Who is the Star Search host on Netflix?

Actor Anthony Anderson will host the new reboot. The Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor starred for eight seasons in ABC’s sitcom black-ish, where he played the role of Dre Johnson and also served as executive producer.

The original host was Ed McMahon, best known for his work as a guest host on The Tonight Show. Previous hosts also included Arsenio Hall and former MTV DJ Martha Quinn.

Who are the Star Search judges on Netflix?

Grammy-nominated, award-winning Nashville native Jelly Roll, Emmy-winning actress and notorious vampire killer Sarah Michelle Gellar, and New York Times #1 bestselling cookbook author and TV personality Chrissy Teigen have taken up judging duties for the new Star Search.

What is the new format of Star Search?

According to the streaming service, the reboot will continue to deliver the emotional ups and downs of the top-tier talent show, but with a new immediacy.

The 17 Most Legendary ‘Star Search’ Performances — So Far (VIDEO)

According to Netflix, “The reboot builds on that legacy with a broader mix of performers, including musicians, dancers, comedians, and kids’ acts all competing on a live stage. What hasn’t changed is the emotional undercurrent that defined the show; what’s new is the immediacy. Every performance, every reveal, every elimination happens in real time and is powered by audience votes, creating the kind of high-stakes momentum that can shift a performer’s career in seconds.”

How do you vote on Star Search?

The new Netflix Star Search reboot is set to premiere on January 20. When it airs, you can vote in real-time using your TV remote or the Netflix mobile app while watching the live stream. You must watch the show as it streams live to participate in the voting.

1. Watch the episode LIVE

To vote, you need to watch Star Search as it streams live. If you rewind, pause for too long, or join late, you will miss the limited voting window.

2. Use a supported device

Real-time voting is available on most newer devices, including:

Smart TVs
Streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.)
Mobile apps (iOS and Android)

Voting is not available on web browsers. If you’re watching on a laptop — grab your phone or switch to TV before the voting window opens. For more information, visit the Netflix Help Center.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts

When it’s time to vote, a 1–5 star rating prompt will appear on your screen.

On TV: Use your remote to select 1 to 5 stars for each performance.
On the Netflix mobile app: Tap the number of stars you want to give.

You can submit one rating per Netflix profile per performance, and once submitted, your vote is final.

Results for each voting round are revealed live during the episode, so viewers do not have to wait until next week.

4. You’ll be able to vote more than once per show.

Voting happens multiple times per episode, with rounds opening during select moments throughout the show — and all votes build toward the live finale, where the audience helps choose the winner.

Be sure to stay tuned during each performance break. Voting prompts appear only during designated windows.

Have more questions? Please visit Netflix’s FAQ for any additional questions or concerns.

Who produces the new Star Search?

Jesse Collins Entertainment produces the series. Executive producers include Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt, and Elaine Metaxas.

Is there a trailer?

Yes! Watch it above!

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