Netflix just unveiled its biggest push into interactive entertainment yet. CTO Elizabeth Stone announced at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 that viewers can now vote in real-time to influence live show outcomes, starting with the "Star Search" reboot next year. The move signals Netflix's answer to mounting streaming competition through community-driven viewing experiences.
Netflix just changed the game for live streaming. The company's CTO Elizabeth Stone dropped the news at TechCrunch Disrupt that viewers can now vote in real-time to directly influence what happens on their screens - and it's already live.
The feature quietly launched during testing on "Dinner Time Live with David Chang" back in August, where viewers voted on everything from tuna vs. grilled cheese preferences to the eternal soup vs. salad debate. But the real test comes next year when Netflix brings back "Star Search" after a 20-year hiatus, complete with audience voting that can make or break contestants.
"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," Stone explained during her TechCrunch Disrupt appearance. The voting windows are time-limited, so if you're not caught up with the livestream, you miss your chance to influence the outcome.
This isn't Netflix's first dance with interactive content. The streaming giant previously tested viewer polls during reality shows like "Too Hot to Handle" and "Love Is Blind." But those were basic polls - this new system lets viewers actually change show outcomes in real-time.
The timing couldn't be more strategic. With streaming wars intensifying and subscriber growth slowing across the industry, Netflix needs fresh ways to keep viewers engaged. The company reports "consistent engagement episode to episode" during early testing, suggesting this community-driven approach might be the hook they need.
But voting is just the beginning. Stone also announced that Netflix is launching immersive homepage experiences with animations and dynamic effects, starting with a Halloween collection this month. A holiday collection drops in December, followed by IP-driven experiences like a "Bridgerton" immersive landing page.