Star Search (Netflix)
šŗ Netflix just launched real-time voting for its new live talent show.Ā The streamer launchedĀ 'Star Search'Ā this week, a live reboot of the '80s talent competition featuring real-time voting. While episodes air on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, viewers canĀ rate performances 1-5 starsĀ directly through the Netflix app on smart TVs, streaming devices, or mobile. Browsers aren't invited to the party, sadly. Each profile only gets one vote per performance, and once you've submitted, there's no changing your mind. It's a notable shift for the binge-watching pioneers, though Netflix has been steadily creeping toward appointment TV with NFL games and the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight. Full circle, as they say.
š„Ā Say what you will, Paramount's committed.Ā David Ellison's company said yesterday itĀ filed materialsĀ in anticipation of a proxy fight to persuade shareholders to reject Netflix's all-cash $83B deal for WBD, while extending the deadline for shareholders to tender their shares to Feb. 20. WBD fired back, saying 93% of shareholders have already rejected what it calls Paramount's "inferior scheme." The board has now turned down Ellison eight times, which is either admirable persistence or the M&A equivalent of not taking the hint. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is set to testify before the Senate in February to make the case for his deal, while the DOJ has requested more information from both companies, extending its regulatory review.
š±Ā TikTok is planting its flag at Sundance.Ā The platform isĀ bringing 10 creators to Park CityĀ to cover red carpets, interview talent, and attend premieres. For those who've somehow avoided it, the film-loving corner of TikTok (colloquially known as FilmTok) has become massive: #FilmTok and #MovieTok racked up over 3M posts in 2025, up 54% YoY. TikTok is also using Sundance to debut two new ad products that let studios target users based on things like genre preferences and convert them directly into subscribers and ticket buyers. In other words, TikTok's pitch to Hollywood is that it isn't just where movies go viral, it's a full-funnel audience-building engine.
Does Star Search's real-time voting make you more likely to tune in live? Let us know in the comments.
