Sarah Michelle Gellar is navigating a busy period, balancing a return to television as a judge on the revived premiere of Netflix’s “Star Search” with a continued presence on the red carpet. Most recently, the actress turned heads in New York City , sporting a daring ensemble that showcased a confident and modern style.
Photographed on a Manhattan sidewalk, Gellar opted for a striking look featuring a burgundy lace bralette and a coordinating sheer skirt. The outfit was layered beneath an oversized blazer in the same deep wine tone, with high-waisted burgundy underwear subtly visible. She completed the look with satin pumps and diamond and ruby drop earrings, her blonde hair falling loose around her shoulders.
The outfit arrived as Gellar promotes her role on “Star Search,” where she joins Chrissy Teigen and Jelly Roll as judges, with Anthony Anderson hosting. The show, a reboot of the original that ran from to , offers a live, global competition across multiple categories – singing, dance, comedy, and variety acts – with viewers casting votes in real time via the streaming platform.
Gellar’s involvement with the show has already provided some candid moments. During a recent appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” she revealed a playful dynamic with her fellow judges, noting that she initially considered herself the “mean judge” until Teigen delivered a lower score. She also shared a story about her own past audition for the original “Star Search,” a bid that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
“We um we both auditioned for Star Search and didn’t make it on,” Gellar said, referencing John Legend. “That’s why I’m back now to fix the mistakes of the past.”
Beyond the judging panel, “Star Search” is proving to be a family affair for Gellar. She shared that her children are regular viewers, and aren’t shy about voicing their opinions on her critiques. “I’ll look over and I just see this face,” she recounted, describing their reactions when they disagree with her scoring decisions.
Gellar’s return to the spotlight comes after a period of prioritizing family life. Speaking on the “Shut Up Evan Podcast” in , she discussed stepping back from acting to be present for her children’s milestones. “I needed to take a break,” she explained. “And I’m so glad I did on so many levels. Like, first of all, I’ll never get that time back with my kids. I didn’t miss a show, a performance, a first step, a lost tooth.”
She emphasized the importance of being fully engaged in her children’s lives during those formative years, a commitment that required a deliberate shift away from the demands of a working actor’s schedule. “There was every moment I was able to be there for, and that’s not something you can do as a working actor,” she said.
Gellar’s professional momentum continues with an upcoming role in “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” the sequel to the horror film. She joins Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, and Elijah Wood in the new installment, which is slated for release this spring. The project marks another step in her re-emergence in the entertainment industry, demonstrating a willingness to explore diverse roles and genres.
The Netflix revival of “Star Search” represents a significant shift in the talent competition landscape. Unlike its predecessors, the show incorporates live global voting directly through the streaming platform, allowing viewers worldwide to participate in real time. Performances air Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET, with the audience ultimately determining which performers advance each week. This format underscores Netflix’s strategy of leveraging its global reach and interactive capabilities to create a more engaging and participatory viewing experience.
Gellar’s involvement in “Star Search” not only offers a platform to discover emerging talent but also allows her to reflect on her own journey in the industry. Her story – from an early audition that didn’t pan out to a successful career and now a position as a mentor – resonates with aspiring performers and audiences alike, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the entertainment world and the enduring power of perseverance.
