Netflix is Set to Revolutionize Live TV with Real-Time Voting and Interactive Features
In a bid to further cement its position as a leader in the streaming industry, Netflix has announced plans to revive its classic talent show "Star Search" with a slew of innovative interactive features. The reboot, set to return in 2026, will not only feature real-time voting capabilities but also allow viewers to shape the competition itself.
According to Elizabeth Stone, Netflix's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), the new format is designed to make viewers feel like they're "part of the story." This move marks a significant evolution for Netflix, which has been steadily expanding its scope from streaming to live events, comedy specials, sports coverage, and award shows. The company aims to create even more personalized, interactive, and immersive experiences.
At the heart of this new strategy is real-time voting, which will allow viewers to vote for contestants directly from their TVs or mobile phones. This feature is part of Netflix's broader push into live programming, with Stone noting that such experiences will become increasingly "personalized, even more interactive, even more immersive."
But live programming is just the beginning. Netflix is also doubling down on interactivity through gaming, planning to launch a range of fun living room party games in late 2025 and early next year. The company sees gaming as an opportunity to build on its original intellectual property, with examples including games based on popular shows like "Stranger Things."
The platform's new interactive features go further than just live programming and gaming, however. Netflix has already experimented with interactive storytelling through releases like "Bandersnatch," the 2018 "Black Mirror" episode that let viewers choose the story's direction and determine its ending.
But what sets these new features apart is their real-time component. Viewers will be able to influence an outcome or have a direct experience, rather than just absorbing or consuming content without any agency.
In addition to live programming and gaming, Netflix is also testing short-form, vertical video content designed for mobile devices. Experiments are set to roll out over the next few quarters and into 2026, with the goal of offering bite-sized clips that can be shared across social networks.
Stone emphasized that Netflix isn't trying to directly compete with other short-video platforms like TikTok. Instead, the company is focused on creating something unique that complements its existing offerings.
For Stone, who joined Netflix in 2018 and became CTO in 2023, constant reinvention is key to the company's endurance. "I would much rather work at a company that continues to evolve than one that stays static," she said.
With these bold new initiatives, Netflix is poised to revolutionize live TV and take interactive storytelling to the next level. Will the rebooted "Star Search" be a huge success? Only time will tell, but with its commitment to innovation and user engagement, one thing is certain: Netflix is here to stay.
In a bid to further cement its position as a leader in the streaming industry, Netflix has announced plans to revive its classic talent show "Star Search" with a slew of innovative interactive features. The reboot, set to return in 2026, will not only feature real-time voting capabilities but also allow viewers to shape the competition itself.
According to Elizabeth Stone, Netflix's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), the new format is designed to make viewers feel like they're "part of the story." This move marks a significant evolution for Netflix, which has been steadily expanding its scope from streaming to live events, comedy specials, sports coverage, and award shows. The company aims to create even more personalized, interactive, and immersive experiences.
At the heart of this new strategy is real-time voting, which will allow viewers to vote for contestants directly from their TVs or mobile phones. This feature is part of Netflix's broader push into live programming, with Stone noting that such experiences will become increasingly "personalized, even more interactive, even more immersive."
But live programming is just the beginning. Netflix is also doubling down on interactivity through gaming, planning to launch a range of fun living room party games in late 2025 and early next year. The company sees gaming as an opportunity to build on its original intellectual property, with examples including games based on popular shows like "Stranger Things."
The platform's new interactive features go further than just live programming and gaming, however. Netflix has already experimented with interactive storytelling through releases like "Bandersnatch," the 2018 "Black Mirror" episode that let viewers choose the story's direction and determine its ending.
But what sets these new features apart is their real-time component. Viewers will be able to influence an outcome or have a direct experience, rather than just absorbing or consuming content without any agency.
In addition to live programming and gaming, Netflix is also testing short-form, vertical video content designed for mobile devices. Experiments are set to roll out over the next few quarters and into 2026, with the goal of offering bite-sized clips that can be shared across social networks.
Stone emphasized that Netflix isn't trying to directly compete with other short-video platforms like TikTok. Instead, the company is focused on creating something unique that complements its existing offerings.
For Stone, who joined Netflix in 2018 and became CTO in 2023, constant reinvention is key to the company's endurance. "I would much rather work at a company that continues to evolve than one that stays static," she said.
With these bold new initiatives, Netflix is poised to revolutionize live TV and take interactive storytelling to the next level. Will the rebooted "Star Search" be a huge success? Only time will tell, but with its commitment to innovation and user engagement, one thing is certain: Netflix is here to stay.
they're pushing the boundaries so hard gotta respect 
but what if ppl get annoyed with voting too much idk, still super hyped for star search 2026! 
and gaming party games sound like a blast 
cant wait to see how this all plays out 
. I mean, think about it - you get to be a part of the decision-making process, right? It's not just about watching the show and then moving on; now you're actually invested in the outcome 
. And with gaming and interactive content coming next, this is gonna be HUGE for Netflix! 
. The way they're mixing up short-form video and vertical content is also genius 
. It's like, no more boring old TV formats - we've got an entire new world of possibilities 
!
. I mean, have you tried that new spicy popcorn flavor they released? It's literally the best thing since sliced bread! Anyway, back to this whole live TV thing... it's kinda cool that we get to be a part of the story, but what if our opinions on who should win "Star Search" just end up being totally wrong and then the winner doesn't even turn out how expected? 
. can't wait to try out those living room party games with friends later this year 
It's like being on a TV show in your living room. And gaming parties with friends sound like so much fun 
. But what really gets me excited is the short-form vertical video stuff - it's perfect for my Instagram feed! 
. Can't wait to see how all this plays out in 2026 
I think this is a game changer for live TV! Having real-time voting and interactive features is like, soooo cool! It's gonna make the viewing experience feel way more immersive and fun 
. The future of entertainment is looking bright! 
. Plus, interactivity through vertical video on mobile is a genius move 
. I mean, who doesn't love bite-sized clips that can be shared with their squad? The fact that Netflix isn't trying to compete directly with TikTok but rather create something unique is like, super refreshing 
. Constant reinvention is key, you know?