Netflix launches real-time interactive voting for Star Search live premiere
Netflix launched a new interactive voting feature for live content today, beginning with the premiere of its livestreamed talent show “Star Search” on January 20. The feature will allow global subscribers to vote in real time using a TV remote or the Netflix app.
Subscribers can select from a multiple-choice menu or rate performances on a five-star scale. The platform will tally votes in real time, with a limited voting window for viewers watching live; votes will not be counted after this period has lapsed.
Netflix started testing live voting in August 2025 with “Dinner Time Live with David Chang.” Elizabeth Stone, the company’s CTO, confirmed a widespread launch during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.
Stone said, “If you’re sitting at home watching ‘Star Search’ on your TV, you’ll be able to either on the TV or your mobile phone actually put in a vote that advances or doesn’t advance some of the contestants on the show.” Stone added that this is “a very early starting example of the ways that we think content can be more interactive over time, across devices, between TV and mobile, where a member who subscribes to Netflix can actually feel like they’re part of the story, influence the storyline, and feel immersed in that.”
The company has expanded its live content offerings, including “Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney,” “Dinner Time Live with David Chang,” NFL Christmas specials, and WWE shows. Netflix also launched interactive games for smart TVs in October, integrating these interactive elements with its live programming through the new voting feature.