‘Star Search’ Netflix Reboot Taps Anthony Anderson to Host, Sets January Release Date (EXCLUSIVE)

Netflix‘s upcoming reboot of “Star Search” has named Anthony Anderson as its new host, Variety has learned exclusively.

The new iteration of the talent competition series will premiere on the streamer on Jan. 13, 2026, with episodes airing live Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Episodes will include real-time voting for viewers to help pick which contestants advance in the competition.

Netflix has also released a new teaser for the series, which can be seen below.

This will not be Anderson’s first hosting gig. He has previously guest hosted shows like “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Entertainment Tonight,” and “The Late Late Show,” as well as leading award shows like the Emmys in 2024, the NAACP Image Awards for nearly a decade, and his own Food Network show “Eating America with Anthony Anderson,” among many others. As an actor, Anderson is known for starring in the hit ABC sitcom “Black-ish,” for which he received seven Emmy nominations and two Golden Globe nominations for best actor in a comedy series. His film roles include the “Barbershop” franchise, “Hustle & Flow,” and “The Departed.”

He is repped by UTA, Artists First, and Goodman Genow.

The official logline for “Star Search” states, “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 – music, dance, variety, comedy, magic and juniors – as they compete head to head for their shot at stardom. With an arced competition structure and weekly eliminations with real-time global voting, the series builds dramatic momentum, making every live episode an unmissable event.”

Jason Raff and David Friedman serve as showrunners on the new “Star Search.” Jesse Collins Entertainment is producing, with Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt, and Elaine Metaxas executive producing.

“Star Search” originally aired in syndication from 1983-1995 with host Ed McMahon, who was later joined by co-host Martha Quinn late in the show’s original run. It served as an early showcase for future stars like Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Dave Chappelle, Adam Sandler, Britney Spears, and many more. The show was also briefly rebooted at CBS in 2003 for one season.