Netflix is going live with its biggest reality competition to date next week.
The streamer is launching the rebooted version of Star Search live on Tuesday, January 20 at 9pm ET. The five-week event will air new episodes on Tuesday and Wednesday before a live finale.
“The greatest talent competition is back,” said host Anthony Anderson in the newly released trailer (see below).
Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen will serve as hosts on the show, which originally ran between 1983 and 1995 and was hosted by Ed McMahon.
It will feature singers, dancers, comedians and magicians battling it out to become the next Brad Garrett, Billy Porter or Loni Love. Other stars that appeared on the show before they were famous include the likes of Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Dave Chappelle and Adam Sandler.
The twist? Real-time voting with viewers helping to determine which contestants move forward. Those watching can vote with their remote or by tapping the screen if watching in the Netflix mobile app.
Jesse Collins Entertainment is producing the series with its eponymous boss telling Deadline, “If you saw any of the earlier incarnations, there’s somewhere between a nod and an easter egg to those older versions. But if you haven’t seen it, it’s fine. Everything will feel fresh and new. There’s a fresh twist on it. Part of the challenge was finding the balance of showing appreciation for the IP, the thing that people have such a close affinity for, but then still making it a show that works for people that are completely unaware and never saw an episode, and at most maybe saw a YouTube clip.”
Collins execs produces alongside Taraji P. Henson, who was responsible for kicking off the project by working with Village Roadshow, which owned the IP. Former Village Roadshow boss Steve Mosko also exec produces alongside Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt and Elaine Metaxas.
Jason Raff, who worked on America’s Got Talent, and David Friedman, who worked on NBC’s Bring the Funny, serve as showrunners.