Remember “Star Search”?
Before “America’s Got Talent,” there was “Star Search.” First hosted by Ed McMahon in 1983, the show ran until 2004, when Arsenio Hall hosted the final season.
The program that introduced the world to Britney Spears, Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake returns Tuesday — live on Netflix for the first time in 22 years, and this time, fans will help decide who rises and who falls.
The Netflix reboot will be hosted by Anthony Anderson, star of “Black-ish.” Anderson will be joined by three celebrity judges: Chrissy Teigen, Jelly Roll and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
What is new with the reboot?
Netflix’s reboot will feature a broader mix of performers, including musicians, dancers, comedians and children’s acts, according to the company.
The new season will also include live voting for the first time, allowing audiences to participate in real time and help decide who will advance and who will go home. Netflix says live voting will create “the kind of high-stakes momentum that can shift a performer’s career in seconds.”
“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. “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.”
Fans can vote using their smart TV, streaming device or mobile phone. Netflix noted voting is not supported on web browsers, so viewers watching on a laptop will need to use their phone or switch to a TV before voting begins. When it is time to vote, participants will see a 1-5 star rating prompt on their screen. Only one rating per Netflix profile will be accepted, with live voting results shown during the episode.
“The live voting feature is a total game-changer,” Anderson shared. “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.”
When will it air?
“Star Search” will premiere live on Jan. 20 for the first time since 2004. Episodes from the season will air live Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. MST.
Celebrities who got their start on ‘Star Search’
From comedians and actors to singers, “Star Search” has introduced many performers who later became household names. Some were winners, while others caught attention just from participating. Notable participants include: Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Dave Chappelle, Kevin James, Martin Lawrence, Drew Carey, Leann Rimes, Sutton Foster, Aaliyah, Adam Sandler, Backstreet Boys and more, according to USA Today.
The Netflix series is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt and Elaine Metaxas serving as executive producers.