The iconic search for America's next big star is getting a 21st-century makeover. Netflix has officially announced it is rebooting the legendary talent show "Star Search," with actor and comedian Anthony Anderson named as the host and executive producer. The new series promises to honor the show's legacy while leveraging the streaming giant's global reach to discover fresh talent.

According to reports from USA Today and Variety, the reboot will follow a similar format to the original, which launched the careers of icons like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé (with Destiny's Child), and comedian Sinbad. The show will feature a wide array of performers competing in categories such as singing, dancing, and comedy. Contestants will perform before a live studio audience and a panel of judges, yet to be announced, who will decide which acts advance.

Anthony Anderson, best known for his long-running role in "black-ish" and more recently for hosting the "We Are Family" game show, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He described the original "Star Search," hosted by Ed McMahon, as "appointment television" for his family and a foundational influence on his love for entertainment. "To be able to bring this back for a new generation on the biggest platform in the world is surreal," Anderson told USA Today. He emphasized that the goal is to find "the next global superstar," a search that will now extend far beyond American borders thanks to Netflix's international audience.

The original "Star Search" aired in syndication from 1983 to 1995, becoming a cultural touchstone and a blueprint for future competition shows like "American Idol" and "The Voice." Its famous rating system, where contestants received scores from one to four stars, is expected to return in some form.

Netflix's move signals a continued investment in the live-event and competition space, aiming to capture the broad, family-friendly appeal that made the original a hit. By reviving a trusted brand with a well-known host, the streamer hopes to cut through the clutter of modern content and create a new must-watch event series.

The new "Star Search" does not yet have a specific premiere date but is slated to launch globally on Netflix in 2025. Casting for performers across all categories is now underway, officially kicking off the hunt for the next superstar.