“Star Search” is back, and it has an all-star lineup of judges!
In a Jan. 6 announcement, Netflix announced that Grammy Award–nominated artist Jelly Roll, Golden Globe–nominated and Emmy-winning actor Sarah Michelle Gellar, and television personality Chrissy Teigen will serve as the legendary panel of judges.
The show helped launch the careers of many successful artists, including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Dave Chappelle, and Adam Sandler, before going off air. However, Netflix decided to reboot the show.
“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 logline for the show reads via Variety. “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.”
“Star Search” will premiere on Jan. 20, with new episodes set to air live Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. It will span for five-weeks. The final prize has yet to be announced.
The show originally aired from 1983 to 1995 and was hosted by Ed McMahon. CBS tried to bring the show back from 2003 to 2004, which was hosted by Arsenio Hall.
Anthony Anderson Will Host ‘Star Search’
Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson will be hosting the reboot on Netflix.
“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,” Anderson told Tudum by Netflix. “The range of talent we’re going to see is going to blow you away, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience all the performances, surprises, and sheer excitement that this new era of Star Search will deliver.”
Viewers Will Be Able to Vote Live On Netflix
During the live airing of each episode of “Star Search,” fans will have the opportunity to vote in real time.
“The live voting feature is a total game-changer,” Anderson told Tudum by Netflix. “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.”
