KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Earlier this year, Kansas City native Heidi Gardner got to show off her hometown to the cast and crew of a new TV talent show that filmed here.

The “Saturday Night Live” star served as one of three celebrity judges on “Second Chance Stage,” which debuts next week on Thanksgiving night.

The trailer for the show, just released on YouTube, shows that Kansas City shines in beauty shots. The show spent two days filming episodes, including the finale, at the Midland Theatre in late March.

The Lost Wax Band, a party band based in Johnson County, was the official house band for the series.

“Second Chance Stage” gives performers who put their ambitions on hold, some for decades, another shot at stardom.

The trailer reveals the show is a tearjerker. One of the contestants is a stand-up comedian who put her dreams on hold while she cared for her mother who had dementia.

Home and lifestyle experts Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia Network’s founders, are executive producers of the eight-episode series.

Singers, dancers, comedians and others competed in front of the judges, talent scouts, agents, producers and a live audience. The winner will receive $100,000.

Gardner judged acts alongside country star Martina McBride and actor Taye Diggs. Sports broadcaster and former NFL player Emmanuel Acho will host.

The beauty of the Midland was a big reason the show filmed in Kansas City.

The building opened in 1927 as one of the largest movie theaters in the Midwest. In recent years AEG Presents and The Cordish Company completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the historic building.

“Unlike other series that are set on sound stages, we are leaning into the Magnolia aesthetic, selecting beautifully restored theaters that embody second (chances) through their history and architecture,” the show’s producers said earlier this year.

The show will air on Magnolia Network and stream on Max.

Two episodes will drop each week until the finale premieres Dec. 19.

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