Washington, Nov 26 (UNI) Netflix’s upcoming reboot of Star Search has tapped Anthony Anderson as its new host, Variety reports. The revamped talent competition series is set to premiere on the streamer on January 13, 2026.
According to the outlet, the official logline promises that “the talent is bigger, the stakes are higher, and the format is more interactive than ever.”
Each episode will highlight standout emerging performers across categories including music, dance, variety, comedy, magic, and juniors, as they compete head-to-head for a shot at stardom.
Featuring an arced competition structure, weekly eliminations, and real-time global voting, the series aims to make every live episode a must-watch event. Netflix also released a teaser for the show on its Instagram account on Tuesday.
Jason Raff and David Friedman will serve as showrunners, while Jesse Collins Entertainment produces. Executive producers include Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt, and Elaine Metaxas.
Anderson is widely recognized for his lead role in ABC’s Black-ish, which earned him seven Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nods for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. His film credits include the Barbershop franchise, Hustle and Flow, and The Departed.
He is no stranger to hosting, having previously guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Entertainment Tonight, and The Late Late Show, as well as presiding over major award shows such as the 2024 Emmys and the NAACP Image Awards for nearly ten years.
Star Search originally aired in syndication from 1983 to 1995 with Ed McMahon as host, later joined by Martha Quinn.
The show helped launch the careers of future stars including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, and Britney Spears. CBS briefly revived the series for one season in 2003.
