Roku to Reboot Battle of the Network Stars as Battle of the Streaming Stars Hosted by Terry Crews

Roku has picked up a reboot of the classic competition series Battle of the Network Stars, retitled Battle of the Streaming Stars, featuring Terry Crews as host and executive producer. The streaming platform ordered two hour-long specials for the exclusive programming of The Roku Channel, with the first special scheduled to premiere on October 23 and the second arriving in early 2027.

Production on the new series is handled by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, adapting the format for modern TV fandom. The project shifts the competitor pool away from traditional network television stars to feature comedians, actors, reality stars, and digital creators from across all media platforms. Three teams of four competitors will face off in each special through several rounds of larger-than-life challenges inspired by popular movies and shows, competing to win a golden Roku remote.

Terry Crews Leads the Cast as Host Alongside Kay Adams and Yvette Nicole Brown

Terry Crews serves as both host and executive producer for the competition, bringing experience from hosting America’s Got Talent. Joining him on the field is Kay Adams, former co-host of Good Morning Football, who will work as the sideline reporter to capture competitor strategy and commentary. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown rounds out the principal on-air lineup by serving as the game’s referee to keep rivalries in check.

Executive producers for Omaha Productions include Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Colin Campbell, and Dan Gati. Sean Boyle and Louisa L. Friedman oversee the project on behalf of Roku Originals, while Keith Geller holds the role of showrunner. Roku noted that specific contestants participating in the inaugural competition will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Reinventing an Eighties Television Staple for Streaming Audiences

The original Battle of the Network Stars debuted nearly five decades ago under IMG, bringing together television personalities for a competitive sports special. Brian Tannenbaum, head of Roku Originals for Roku Media, stated that the new iteration captures the spirit of the original celebration while reinventing it for contemporary streaming audiences.

Peyton Manning emphasized the nostalgic connection to the program, calling the original series must-watch television during the 1980s. Terry Crews similarly noted that the format allows competitive entertainers to test their athleticism and personal egos in an unpredictable environment.

The Roku Channel Debuts the First Special on October 23

The first of the two ordered hour-long specials will launch on October 23 exclusively on The Roku Channel. A second special is slated to follow in early 2027. Competitor lineups and specific challenge details remain undisclosed pending further announcements from Roku in the weeks leading up to the October premiere.