The first look at the revival of Star Search has arrived, with Netflix releasing the official trailer today for its reimagining of the classic talent competition. Along with the footage, the streaming service confirmed that actor and comedian Anthony Anderson has been tapped to host the new series, which is set to premiere live on January 13, 2026.
This announcement clears up months of speculation regarding who would helm the reboot. Anderson, known for his work on Black-ish and as a frequent host of the NAACP Image Awards, takes over the mantle from the late Ed McMahon. The trailer showcases a modernized, large-scale production that leans heavily into the live event format, a strategy Netflix has been aggressively pursuing for its unscripted slate.
Unlike recent singing-specific competitions, this revival remains faithful to the original variety format that dominated television syndication in the 1980s and 90s. The new series will feature competitors across multiple categories including music, comedy, dance, and variety. The trailer highlights the interactive nature of the new show, which will allow viewers to vote in real-time during live broadcasts to determine who advances.
The return of the franchise is significant given its history as a launchpad for some of the biggest names in entertainment. The original series is credited with introducing the world to future superstars such as Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Dave Chappelle, and pop icon Britney Spears, who appeared on the show as a child vocalist in 1992. The new iteration aims to replicate that success by scouting talent on a global scale.
Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, the series will air live episodes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when it launches next January. You can watch the full teaser trailer below.