‘Star Search’ Reborn at Netflix as Live Competition

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Netflix is reaching back into TV history for its next piece of live programming.

The streamer has chosen the latest edition of the talent contest “Star Search” for its lineup. This announcement was made on Wednesday during Netflix’s presentation to advertisers, where they also announced renewals for several series such as “Bridgerton”, “The Four Seasons”, and “The Diplomat”.

Among the fresh slate of shows Netflix unveiled recently, one that caught my eye is “Star Search,” a series I’m genuinely excited to explore. Other intriguing titles include a comedy from Dan Levy, the Emmy-winning genius behind “Schitt’s Creek.” We also have “All the Sinners Bleed,” a gripping thriller penned by Joe Robert Cole, who co-wrote the phenomenal “Black Panther.”

The youthful drama “The Body” is another interesting pick, created by Quinn Shepherd, best known for her work on Hulu’s “Under the Bridge.” Lastly, there’s “Prime Time,” an engaging documentary series about NFL Hall of Famer and University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders. As a gamer, I can’t wait to see what these shows have in store!

The talent show known as Star Search first aired in 1983. Initially syndicated, it was hosted by Ed McMahon. Spanning over a decade, it took a break before returning to CBS from 2003-04 with Arsenio Hall taking on hosting duties. Throughout its run, several well-known acts emerged, including Destiny’s Child (then known as Girls Tyme), Britney Spears, Ray Romano, Dave Chappelle, Billy Porter, The Backstreet Boys, and Usher.

Twice a week, the Netflix series will broadcast live, featuring competitors from music, dance, comedy/variety, and children’s categories battling it out for viewer votes to decide who stays in the contest.

Jesse Collins Entertainment, known for producing Emmy Awards and Super Bowl halftime shows, is taking on the role of executive producers for the revival of the popular talent competition show, Star Search. The team includes Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Madison Merritt, and Elaine Metaxas in executive producer roles. Longtime America’s Got Talent veteran Jason Raff has been appointed as the showrunner for this exciting project.

The comedy without a title from creators Levy and Rachel Sennott originates from Levy’s overall agreement with the streaming platform (the same one that produced Good Grief). This upcoming series will focus on “two extremely incompetent siblings who are forced into the underworld of organized crime.” In this production, Levy, Laurie Metcalf, and Taylor Ortega take on starring roles. Additionally, Levy serves as the showrunner, while also executive producing alongside Sennott.

The film “All the Sinners Bleed” is adapted from a novel by S.A. Cosby with the same title. It revolves around a former FBI agent, now the first African American sheriff in a small southern Virginia county, as he spearheads an investigation into a serial killer who has been targeting Black communities.

Cole takes on the roles of showrunner, scriptwriter, and director for the upcoming series. This production hails from Higher Ground Productions and Amblin Television. Both entities will be recognized as executive producers, alongside Cole and Cosby.

Title “The Body” by Shepherd is a drama that follows the journey of adolescence. In essence, the story revolves around a group of misbehaving Catholic school girls who, after an unfortunate incident during a dance-team initiation, start experiencing eerie visions that spark panic and chaos in their community. Shepherd will oversee the production as showrunner, direct multiple episodes, and produce alongside Amy Israel, Peter Chernin, and Josh Stern from The North Road Company, as well as Riley Keough, Gina Gammell, and Sacha Ben Harroche for Felix Culpa.

Prime Time, produced by SMAC Entertainment, Skydance Sports, and NFL Films, offers a comprehensive look into the life of Sanders, both on and off the football field. The executive producers are Constance Schwartz-Morini and FredAnthony Smith from SMAC Entertainment, Jesse Sisgold, Jason T. Reed, and Jon Weinbach from Skydance Sports, and Jessica Boddy, Keith Cossrow, Ross Ketover, and Ken Rodgers from NFL Films.

The TV show Prime Time, made by SMAC Entertainment, Skydance Sports, and NFL Films, will explore Sanders’ life on the field as well as outside of it. The executive producers are Constance Schwartz-Morini and FredAnthony Smith from SMAC Entertainment, Jesse Sisgold, Jason T. Reed, and Jon Weinbach from Skydance Sports, and Jessica Boddy, Keith Cossrow, Ross Ketover, and Ken Rodgers from NFL Films.

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2025-05-14 22:25