Star Search Premieres Tonight — Here’s How to Vote

Star Search Official Trailer - Casting by City Media Entertainment

Star Search Premieres Tonight — Here’s How to Vote with Your Remote

Your step-by-step guide to watching, voting, and shaping the next generation of breakout performers.

Your step-by-step guide to watching, voting, and shaping the next generation of breakout performers.

Legendary talent competition Star Search  premieres live on Netflix tonight at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT — and this time, you’re part of the show. Hosted by Emmy- and Golden Globe–nominated actor Anthony Anderson, with judges Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen, the 2026 Star Search reboot introduces a new era of live, high-stakes competition where musicians, dancers, comedians, juniors, and variety acts perform onstage — and for the first time ever, viewer votes on Netflix will determine, in real time, who advances in the competition and who is knocked out. 

Below, find everything you need to know before the premiere, including how to vote, what’s new in the reboot, when episodes air, and how the live format works across devices.

How to Vote on Netflix’s Star search

Real-time voting is a brand-new feature on Netflix — and for Star Search, it puts you in the judge’s seat. Here’s how it works.
 

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.

Live episodes air Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, starting Jan. 20, 2026.

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 1–5 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 — no waiting until next week.

4. Keep watching — 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.

Meet The Judges – Star Search 2026 – LIVE!

Star Search Meet the Judges Casting by City Media Entertainment
Star Search Meet the Judges Casting by City Media Entertainment

Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen Named Judges for Netflix’s ‘Star Search’ Revival

Netflix has officially unveiled the judging panel for its upcoming revival of Star Search, announcing that Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen will serve as judges on the reimagined talent competition. The series is set to premiere January 20.

Netflix has officially unveiled the judging panel for its upcoming revival of Star Search, announcing that Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen will serve as judges on the reimagined talent competition. The series is set to premiere January 20.

The trio will join host Anthony Anderson as the show streams live on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT for five consecutive weeks. Viewers will be able to vote in real time during each live broadcast, either through their TV remotes or directly within the Netflix mobile app.

All three judges bring prior experience in the talent competition space. Gellar has previously appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Chopped Junior. Teigen has served as a judge on MTV’s Snack Off and NBC’s comedy competition Bring the Funny. Jelly Roll recently worked as a mentor and artist-in-residence on the past two seasons of American Idol.

Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, Star Search will feature performers competing across multiple categories, including music, dance, comedy, variety, magic and juniors. The prize has yet to be announced.

The Netflix series marks a modern reimagining of Star Search, which originally debuted in 1983 as a syndicated broadcast hosted by Ed McMahon and ran for 12 years. The franchise was later revived by CBS in 2003–04 with Arsenio Hall as host, following the success of American Idol.

Gellar recently starred in Dexter: Original Sin and reprised her role in the upcoming 2025 reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer. She is also executive producing and returning to her iconic role in Hulu’s upcoming Buffy the Vampire Slayer update. Jelly Roll, a seven-time Grammy nominee with three nominations this year, recently topped the Billboard 200 with his album Beautifully Broken. Teigen is a former model, bestselling cookbook author, television host and entrepreneur.

Netflix’s Star Search aims to blend nostalgia with real-time audience engagement as it brings the iconic competition format to a new generation.

Netflix Reboots ‘Star Search’: A New Era of Talent Discovery

Netflix Reboots 'Star Search': A New Era of Talent Discovery

Netflix is bringing back the iconic talent competition series Star Search in 2025, reimagined as a live, interactive showcase for a new generation. Originally aired from 1983 to 1995 and hosted by Ed McMahon, the show launched the careers of stars like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and Dave Chappelle. After a brief revival on CBS from 2003 to 2004, Star Search is now set to make a triumphant return, streaming live twice a week on Netflix with a fresh format and heightened stakes.

Netflix is bringing back the iconic talent competition series Star Search in 2025, reimagined as a live, interactive showcase for a new generation. Originally aired from 1983 to 1995 and hosted by Ed McMahon, the show launched the careers of stars like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and Dave Chappelle. After a brief revival on CBS from 2003 to 2004, Star Search is now set to make a triumphant return, streaming live twice a week on Netflix with a fresh format and heightened stakes.

A Modern Take on a Classic

The rebooted Star Search will feature performers competing in four main categories: music, dance, variety/comedy, and kids’ acts. This diverse range ensures a broad appeal, showcasing everything from vocalists and dance troupes to comedians and young prodigies. Unlike its predecessor, which relied on phone-in voting, the new version will leverage Netflix’s app ecosystem for real-time audience voting, allowing viewers to decide which contestants advance. This interactive element, combined with live eliminations, promises a blend of talent showcase and high-stakes drama.

Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment—known for Rhythm + Flow, the Primetime Emmys, and the Super Bowl Halftime Show—the series is helmed by showrunner Jason Raff, a veteran of America’s Got Talent. While the host, judges, and premiere date are yet to be announced, the production team’s track record suggests a polished, star-making spectacle.

Casting Call: Your Chance to Shine

Netflix is actively seeking talent for the reboot, inviting performers to apply via StarSearchLiveCasting.com. The casting call is open to a wide range of acts, including:

  • Vocalists in all genres

  • Dance Troupes (4-10 members)

  • Comedy Acts

  • Variety Acts

A recent post on X from CITYMEDIAENT emphasized the search for “show-stopping talent” to captivate global audiences, highlighting the opportunity for undiscovered performers to break into the spotlight. Whether you’re a singer, dancer, comedian, or part of a unique variety act, Netflix is looking for the next big name to follow in the footsteps of Star Search alumni.

Why It Matters

The original Star Search was a cultural phenomenon, discovering talent at a time when opportunities for exposure were limited. Today, with social media platforms like TikTok offering instant fame, some question the relevance of talent shows. However, Netflix’s live, interactive format aims to set Star Search apart, combining nostalgia with modern engagement to create a unique viewing experience. The show’s history of unearthing stars, even those who didn’t win—like Beyoncé and Dave Chappelle—underscores its potential to shape the entertainment industry once again.

How to Apply

Aspiring performers can visit StarSearchLiveCasting.com for application details and terms. With casting underway, now is the time for talented individuals and groups to seize this opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a hidden gem, Star Search could be your ticket to stardom.

Looking Ahead

As Netflix continues to expand its live programming slate, which includes WWE, NFL broadcasts, and shows like Building the Band, Star Search is poised to be a flagship addition. The combination of live performances, audience voting, and a legacy of discovering iconic talent makes this reboot a highly anticipated event for 2025. Stay tuned for updates on the premiere date, host, and judges, and get ready to witness the next generation of stars.

🎤 “Star Search Live” Is Making a Comeback—Casting Now Open

🎤 “Star Search Live” Is Making a Comeback—Casting Now Open

Get ready, performers: Netflix is rebooting the iconic Star Search as Star Search Live, and applications are now open! Whether you’re a singer, dancer, comedian, or young talent, this is your moment to shine.

Get ready, performers: Netflix is rebooting the iconic Star Search as Star Search Live, and applications are now open! Whether you’re a singer, dancer, comedian, or young talent, this is your moment to shine.

A Legendary Reboot with Live Thrills

Originally airing from 1983 to 1995, Star Search introduced stars like Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Adam Sandler. Now, it returns live on Netflix with a bigger, bolder format: each week, contestants across multiple genres will battle it out, with eliminations and audience engagement live on screen, giving the show an electrifying, must-watch feel

What to Expect

  • Genre variety: Music, dance, comedy, and kids’ acts all have their moment.

  • Live stakes: Weekly eliminations and interactive elements bring high tension.

  • New faces, fresh energy: While honoring its history, the show is casting a new era of talent.

  • Netflix’s reboot will showcase today’s emerging stars who could become tomorrow’s household names netflix.com.

Backed by Industry Heavyweights

Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment—creators behind Rhythm + Flow, the Emmys, the American Music Awards, and more—this reboot has serious production chops. Executive producers include Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt, and Elaine Metaxas netflix.com.

Netflix’s Growing Competition Slate

Star Search Live joins Netflix’s expanding reality lineup:

  • Building the Band

  • The Golden Ticket

  • Squid Game: The Challenge

  • Million Dollar Secret

  • Physical: 100

  • Battle Camp

  • Is It Cake?

  • The Circle
    …and many others

What’s Next?

Judges, hosts, and the premiere date haven’t been announced yet. Stay tuned to Tudum for updates—this reboot is just heating up