Netflix is officially reviving one of television’s most legendary talent competitions. Star Search, the series that helped introduce icons like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Dave Chappelle, and Adam Sandler, is coming back in a fully reimagined, live format on January 13, 2026. And this time, the audience isn’t just watching — they’re part of the show.
Netflix announced that Emmy and Golden Globe–nominated actor Anthony Anderson will host the reboot, stepping into the spotlight as the guide through each week’s highs, heartbreaks, and breakthrough performances. Episodes will air live every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, marking one of the streamer’s boldest moves into live entertainment.
One of the biggest evolutions in the format is real-time, global voting. For the first time in Star Search history, viewers will help determine who moves forward each week, creating a level of immediacy and participation the original series couldn’t offer. Anderson called it a “total game-changer,” adding, “Knowing that fans from all over the world can cast their votes in real time adds a whole new layer of excitement… It’s like we’re all part of the show and get to be one of the judges.”
A full voting guide will be published soon explaining how and when viewers can cast their votes on the platform.
The new Star Search expands the types of performers hitting the stage, spotlighting rising talent in music, dance, comedy, magic, variety, and even juniors. Every episode builds dramatic momentum as performers compete live in head-to-head showcases, with weekly eliminations shaping the season’s arc. The energy that defined the original series remains, but the pacing and interactivity have been elevated for a global, streaming-first audience.
Behind the curtain, the revival is led by Jesse Collins Entertainment, the production team behind Rhythm + Flow, the Primetime Emmy Awards, the American Music Awards, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and Hollywood Squares. Executive producers include Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt, and Elaine Metaxas, with Jason Raff (America’s Got Talent) and David Friedman (Bring the Funny) serving as showrunners.
In its essence, the new Star Search is both a tribute and a transformation — honoring the show that launched a generation of stars while rebuilding it for the era of live global streaming. Anthony Anderson, who starred for eight seasons on ABC’s award-nominated black-ish, now steps in to introduce audiences to the next wave of breakout performers.