Sarah Michelle Gellar showcased a striking fashion statement in New York City on Saturday, February 16, 2026, stepping out in a burgundy lace bralette and sheer skirt paired with an oversized blazer, according to reports from Fox News.
The ensemble, featuring high-waisted burgundy underwear visible beneath the sheer skirt, was completed with satin pumps and diamond and deep red stone drop earrings. Gellar’s appearance coincided with her promotional work for the revived Netflix competition series, “Star Search,” where she serves as a judge alongside Chrissy Teigen and Jelly Roll, hosted by Anthony Anderson.
“Star Search” is a five-week live event featuring contestants competing in singing, dance, comedy, and variety acts, with viewers casting votes in real-time to determine the weekly winners. During a recent appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Gellar discussed her experience on the judging panel.
“Well, I was the mean judge like in the beginning, and it was like hard for me because I don’t feel of myself as the mean judge, but then Chrissy finally gave a score lower than I did. So, I feel like it’s now a little bit more even,” Gellar said, as reported by Fox News.
Gellar also revealed a past connection to the “Star Search” franchise, sharing that she and John Legend both auditioned for the original series but were not selected. “We um we both auditioned for Star Search and didn’t produce it on,” she stated. “That’s why I’m back now to fix the mistakes of the past.”
The Netflix revival of “Star Search” differs from the original syndicated series by incorporating live global voting directly through the streaming platform. Performances air Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET, with audience participation playing a key role in the outcome. Gellar emphasized the demonstrate’s global reach, stating, “The coolest thing about this show is that We see live worldwide. So, if you have a remote, you can vote. So, no app to download, no phone number.”
Gellar also noted that the competition has become a family affair, with her children regularly watching and offering their opinions on her judging decisions. “Oh, not only are my kids watching, they’re there every week. They love it,” she said. “And they are quite vocal in their opinions about how they don’t agree with what I do.” She described observing her children’s reactions when they disagree with her scores, noting a distinct facial expression.
Beyond “Star Search,” Gellar is also preparing for the release of “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” this spring, a sequel to the 2019 horror film. She joins Samara Weaving, Kathryn Newton, and Elijah Wood in the new installment.
In a January 7, 2026, interview on the “Shut Up Evan Podcast,” Gellar discussed her decision to step away from acting for a period to prioritize her family life. “Well, I mean, I think, you realize, I took a lot of years off. You know, I took a lot of years off, and I think I feel like I’m first getting my sea legs back now and like ready to work now that my kids are older,” she said. She emphasized the importance of being present for her children during their formative years, stating, “I needed to take a break. 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. Like, there was every moment I was able to be there for, and that’s not something you can do as a working actor.”
