The iconic talent competition series “Star Search” recently returned after decades off the air. Now, one of the judges from the new version, Sarah Michelle Gellar, is opening up about her audition for the original series before she became famous, partly because of her role in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Geller interviewed with PEOPLE in January 2026 and recalled her previous “Star Search” attempt. The actress said, “You know, what I remembered was I didn’t make it, and that’s okay because I watched so many people that I thought were so talented that even got on and didn’t win and went on to huge careers.
So I remember just that I didn’t make it, but I still loved the show.” She also revealed that she planned to compete in the acting category for the original “Star Search.” According to her, “I have plenty of friends that were on the original acting category. So they had a scene, and two actors would start it, and then two actors would finish, and then it would be a live vote.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar Opens Up About the New ‘Star Search’
GettyGellar also spoke about the Netflix version of “Star Search,” calling it a “full redemption arc.” She said, “It does feel that way a little bit. But you know what? It’s the ultimate lesson…have your dreams…go after them. You’re never too young to have dreams.”
According to Netflix, “Star Search” premiered on January 20 with a live episode. In addition to Gellar, Jelly Roll, and Chrissy Teigen judge the series. Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson serves as the host of the new series. It airs Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 9 pm ET/ 6 pm PT. Viewers can vote for their favorite contestants during the episodes.
The system will allow viewers to simply vote with their remotes or by tapping their mobile device screens. Anderson spoke to Netflix’s Tadum about the voting system. He said, “The live voting feature is a total game-changer.
Knowing that fans from all over the world can cast their votes in real time adds a whole new layer of excitement and participation to the mix. It’s like we’re all part of the show and get to be one of the judges.”
The original “Star Search” aired in syndication from 1983 until 1995.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is Also Coming Back
Gellar is quite busy these days, thanks to judging the net version of “Star Search.” In additon to that, there is a new version of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” currently in production. She spoke to the “Shut up, Evan” podcast about the upcoming series.
Gellar said, “It’s not a sequel, it’s not a reboot — it’s a continuation.” She also stated that the show will delve into where Buffy “is now in this world and what is this world that Buffy lives in with her and without her.
“So it’s not a reboot, it’s not picking up with all of the same characters right away. It is not like a sequel… That’s why the name was even important to me — Buffy: New Sunnydale. It’s Buffy, but it’s also something else.”
There is no announced premiere date for the new iteration of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
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