Netflix's plans to revive 'Star Search' with real-time voting capabilities mark a significant step in the streaming giant's push into live, interactive content. According to Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone, viewers will soon be able to not only watch the competition unfold but also shape it through their votes.
The revival of 'Star Search', which originally aired from 1983 to 1995 and helped launch the careers of Beyoncé and Britney Spears, will introduce real-time voting capabilities as part of its reboot in 2026. This feature is seen as a key component of Netflix's strategy to create more immersive experiences for its users.
"We think content can be more interactive," Stone said, describing the feature as a way for members to "feel like they're part of the story." By incorporating real-time voting, viewers will have a sense of agency and influence over the show's outcome.
This move is part of Netflix's broader push into live programming, which has seen the company expanding its scope from streaming to live events such as boxing matches, comedy specials, sports coverage, and award shows. While live programming still represents a "small share" of Netflix's overall content, Stone believes that it will become even more personalized, interactive, and immersive in the future.
The move also highlights Netflix's growing interest in gaming, with the company planning to launch cloud games through late 2025 and early next year. This includes titles like 'Boggle', a classic word game that will offer fans new ways to engage with the show's world.
Netflix is not new to interactive storytelling, having released 'Bandersnatch' in 2018, an episode of 'Black Mirror' that allowed viewers to choose the story's direction and determine its ending. However, the platform's new interactive features go further by adding a real-time component, creating a live experience where users can influence the outcome or have an immersive experience.
The company is also testing short-form, vertical video content designed for mobile devices, with experiments set to roll out over the next few quarters and into 2026. The goal is to offer something "more snackable" for members – bite-sized clips that can be shared across social networks.
According to CTO Elizabeth Stone, Netflix's constant reinvention is key to its endurance. "I would much rather work at a company that continues to evolve than one that stays static," she said.
The revival of 'Star Search' and the introduction of new interactive features mark an exciting chapter in Netflix's evolution as it continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in live, interactive content.
The revival of 'Star Search', which originally aired from 1983 to 1995 and helped launch the careers of Beyoncé and Britney Spears, will introduce real-time voting capabilities as part of its reboot in 2026. This feature is seen as a key component of Netflix's strategy to create more immersive experiences for its users.
"We think content can be more interactive," Stone said, describing the feature as a way for members to "feel like they're part of the story." By incorporating real-time voting, viewers will have a sense of agency and influence over the show's outcome.
This move is part of Netflix's broader push into live programming, which has seen the company expanding its scope from streaming to live events such as boxing matches, comedy specials, sports coverage, and award shows. While live programming still represents a "small share" of Netflix's overall content, Stone believes that it will become even more personalized, interactive, and immersive in the future.
The move also highlights Netflix's growing interest in gaming, with the company planning to launch cloud games through late 2025 and early next year. This includes titles like 'Boggle', a classic word game that will offer fans new ways to engage with the show's world.
Netflix is not new to interactive storytelling, having released 'Bandersnatch' in 2018, an episode of 'Black Mirror' that allowed viewers to choose the story's direction and determine its ending. However, the platform's new interactive features go further by adding a real-time component, creating a live experience where users can influence the outcome or have an immersive experience.
The company is also testing short-form, vertical video content designed for mobile devices, with experiments set to roll out over the next few quarters and into 2026. The goal is to offer something "more snackable" for members – bite-sized clips that can be shared across social networks.
According to CTO Elizabeth Stone, Netflix's constant reinvention is key to its endurance. "I would much rather work at a company that continues to evolve than one that stays static," she said.
The revival of 'Star Search' and the introduction of new interactive features mark an exciting chapter in Netflix's evolution as it continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in live, interactive content.
. I mean, who doesn't love feeling like they're part of something? But at the same time, I'm a bit skeptical - will it just be people yelling on Twitter trying to influence the outcome or is it gonna be something more... organic? Maybe it's a good way for new talent to get discovered, though. Beyoncé and Britney Spears were both kinda lucky in that regard 
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i mean who doesnt want to vote for their fave contestant and have a say in how the competition goes down? its like theyre taking interactive storytelling to the next level 
i just hope it gets addictive or my wallet might regret it 
! It's like they're taking a page out of my favorite online multiplayer games where you get to decide the story's direction and outcome 
. This is gonna be so immersive for the viewers, especially if it's tied to some awesome gaming integration 
... I mean, who wouldn't want to influence the outcome of a talent show while watching their fave contestants go head-to-head? 
It's all about making you feel like you're part of the story, right? And let's not forget, this is just another step in Netflix's push into live programming - think boxing matches, comedy specials, sports coverage... they're already on to something here! 
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and btw gaming on netflix is a thing now cloud games yay 
gotta try out this boggle game ASAP
, and now they're bringing it back with real-time voting? It's like they're trying to recreate that feeling of being part of something special back then 
. And I have to say, it's kinda cool that they're adding a gaming element too - who knows, maybe we'll see some 'Star Search' themed games soon 
. I'm not sure if it's going to work, but I'm definitely excited to give it a try when it launches next year 
That would be wild.
. And hey, who knows, maybe this Star Search revival will bring back some nostalgic feels for old-school fans... 
, a live version of star search? that sounds so cool! i love how they're incorporating real-time voting capabilities - it's gonna be wild watching how ppl react to the competition 
. anyway, i'm hyped to see where this goes and how it'll affect gaming on netflix too 
I'm kinda hyped about this "Star Search" revival thing 
I mean, real-time voting sounds cool and all, but what's to stop it from feeling like a participation trophy for the viewers? 
Like, do we really get to decide who wins or is it just a game for Netflix to make us feel invested in the outcome? 
. It feels like they're trying too hard to be like one of those fancy interactive vids I've seen online. I mean, can we just have a good ol' fashioned singing competition without all the bells and whistles? 
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