“Netflix’s ‘Star Search’ Struggles to Gain Traction”
Netflix’s reboot of the iconic talent competition, Star Search, has encountered significant difficulties in achieving substantial viewership. In its debut week, the show did not secure a spot on Netflix’s global top 10 charts. It garnered fewer than 2.3 million views across its opening two episodes, a disappointing outcome for the streaming giant.
Initial Performance and Ranking
Despite its lackluster global performance, Star Search did manage to rank No. 5 on the U.S. charts. It was positioned behind shows like His & Hers, Skyscraper Live, Free Bert, and Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, while surpassing WWE’s Raw. South Africa was the only other location where the show reached the top 10, securing the No. 9 slot.
Production and Star Power
Star Search launched on January 20 and spans five weeks. The series is hosted by Anthony Anderson and features judges Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chrissy Teigen, and Jelly Roll. The first episode showcased several performances:
- Eric Adrien Williams performing “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
- Blair Kudelka singing “Blue,” originally from 1958
- Boy band 2BYG covering *NSYNC’s “It’s Gonna Be Me”
- Australian girl group H3rizon performing “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
- French dance troupe Ladymetry competing against Movement55
Viewer Interaction and Impact
Viewers could engage by voting live using their remote controls or phones, a format that had previously succeeded with Netflix’s Skyscraper Live, which amassed 6.2 million views. The interactive component of Star Search does not seem to have influenced its ratings positively.
Creative Vision and Future Prospects
Jesse Collins, the executive producer of the show, anticipated emotional moments. He noted in an interview that he expected Jelly Roll would be the first to cry during performances. Star Search’s creative origins are linked to Taraji P. Henson and the now-defunct Village Roadshow, which initially owned the show’s intellectual property. Henson, alongside former Village Roadshow head Steve Mosko, also produced the project, emphasizing the high hopes for its success.
As Star Search continues its run, it remains to be seen whether this reboot can capitalize on its star-studded roster and unique format to boost its performance in the competitive entertainment landscape. For further updates and analysis on entertainment trends, visit Filmogaz.com.
