Netflix has tapped Anthony Anderson to lead the upcoming reboot of Star Search, with the streaming giant confirming he’ll take the helm when the series returns on January 13, 2026.
According to Variety, the show will air live on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, marking a major refresh of the long-running talent competition format.
Before this new chapter, Star Search had already cemented its place in pop culture history. The original series ran in syndication from 1983 to 1995 with Ed McMahon as its iconic host, later joined by MTV VJ Martha Quinn.
Over the years, the show became an early showcase for performers who would go on to dominate music, comedy, and entertainment—names like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, and Britney Spears all made early appearances on the stage.
Now, Netflix is positioning its reboot as a modern, interactive upgrade. According to the streamer, the updated format introduces real-time global voting, with viewers deciding which contestants advance during the live broadcasts.
The competition will feature performers across multiple categories, including music, dance, comedy, magic, variety, and juniors. The series will follow an arced structure with weekly eliminations intended to build momentum throughout the season.
The official logline describes the reboot as a larger-scale evolution of the classic format: “The talent is bigger, the stakes are higher, and the format is more interactive than ever. Each episode will spotlight the best up-and-coming performers across numerous categories… as they compete head to head for their shot at stardom.”
Anderson steps into the hosting role with a résumé that already includes significant live TV experience. He has previously guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live, Entertainment Tonight, and The Late Late Show. He has also led several major awards shows, including the Emmys in 2024 and for nearly a decade, the NAACP Image Awards.
Outside hosting, Anderson is widely known for his starring role on ABC’s Black-ish, which earned him seven Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. His film credits include Barbershop, Hustle & Flow, and The Departed.
The reboot is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, with Jason Raff and David Friedman serving as showrunners. Executive producers include Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt, and Elaine Metaxas.