Star Search was a television show from 1983 to 1995 hosted by Ed McMahon. The show was originally filmed at the old Earl Carroll Theatre at 6230 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood and later at the Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Essentially a large talent show, Star Search established a format later utilized by other programs, notably American Idol. Star Search helped launch the careers of Sam Harris, Peggi Blu, Brad Garrett, Ray Romano, Dennis Miller, Rosie O'Donnell, Linda Eder, Martin Lawrence, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Countess Vaughn, LeAnn Rimes, Ty Herndon, David Slater, Usher, Sinbad, Justin Timberlake, Tracey Ross, Charles Divins, Destiny's Child, Beth Hart, Tom Burns, Alisan Porter, Aaliyah and many other performers.

In the wake of American Idol's success, Arsenio Hall hosted a new version of Star Search, which ran for two years: 2003 and 2004 on CBS, before ending up in reruns on cable channel GSN for one year from 2004 to 2005. This new version was judged by several people, including Ben Stein and Naomi Judd. It introduced "star" Loni Love, who has appeared in TV shows for VH1, and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide for Nickelodeon. It also brought Tiffany Evans 15 minutes of fame, but her career has yet to truly take off, as well as such hopefuls as Joey Pearson, David Archuletta and Tori Kelly who was recently signed to Geffen Records and should be launched in 2006. Dancer Nick Lazzarini also appeared on the show. The show is no longer in production.

Some of the characters in the movie Donnie Darko aspire to appear on Star Search.

1980s TV shows in the United States | 1990s TV shows in the United States | 2000s TV shows in the United States | CBS network shows | Reality television series in the United States | Singing competitions | Syndicated television series | CBS Paramount Television shows

Star Search | Star Search