Star Search, the iconic talent competition show from the 80s, is getting a revival via Netflix.
Premiering live on January 13, 2026, Anthony Anderson, Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor, will serve as the host.
Episodes will air live Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT and will include real-time voting to let the viewers help determine which contestants move forward.
Per the official press release, “the new and reimagined series draws on the rich legacy of Star Search, which helped launch the careers of global icons like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler and many others. Off the air for 20 years, the show returns as a nostalgic yet fresh entry in the talent competition space – ready to captivate both longtime fans and a whole new generation.”
The new Star Search series will be a fresher and interactive version of the original. Each episode will spotlight the best up-and-coming performers across numerous categories – music, dance, variety, comedy, magic and juniors – as they compete head to head for their shot at stardom. With an arced competition structure and weekly eliminations with real-time global voting, the series builds dramatic momentum, making every live episode an unmissable event.
Anthony Anderson
The latest hosting gig is just one of many for Anderson. He
brought his signature humor and charisma to the 75th Annual Emmy Awards, earning positive reviews for his live hosting performance. He previously hosted ABC’s hit gameshow “To Tell the Truth” for seven seasons and FOX’s “We Are Family” and “The Real Full Monty.” He has also guest hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” more than 20 times.
Most recently, Anderson appeared in action thriller G20, starring alongside Viola Davis as the First Gentleman, determined to protect their two children. The film also reunited him with “black-ish” co-star Marsai Martin, who plays their daughter.
Anderson is also set to star in, and executive produce the limited series adaptation of “The Redemption of Al Sharpton,” based on the Esquire profile by Pulitzer Prize winner Mitchell S. Jackson. The project, currently in early development at ABC Signature, is being produced through Anderson’s Just a Kid from Compton Productions.