Louis Theroux teams with Simon Cowell for gritty look at boy bands in ’90s and ’00s

Louis Theroux teams with Simon Cowell for gritty look at boy bands in ’90s and ’00s

As a movie critic with a vivid memory of the ’90s and early ’00s, I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming BBC series, “Boybands Forever.” Having grown up during the era of boy bands, I remember the heart-fluttering excitement that swept across the nation whenever a new album dropped or a concert tour was announced. This documentary series promises to delve deep into the lives of these pop sensations, offering an intimate look at their highs and lows, their triumphs, and their struggles.


The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has unveiled a fresh three-part series titled “Boybands: An Eternal Phenomenon,” delving into the behind-the-scenes account of the boy band craze that swept through the ’90s and early 2000s.

In the autumn of 2024, a television series set to air on BBC Two originates from the Mindhouse Productions of Louis Theroux. This production is overseen by both Louis Theroux and Nancy Strang during its creation.

The summary for this series explains that it delves into the realm of ’90s and ’00s popular culture, unveiling the stories behind the rise to fame of some of the UK and Ireland’s most cherished pop stars, who were adored by countless pop music enthusiasts worldwide.

The summary goes on to say: “Each installment delves into the transformative impact of early fame in their lives, chronicling their journey from humble beginnings to chart-topping success. It also highlights some crucial backstage events that influenced their careers significantly, offering insights as they look back at those periods many years later.”

Louis Theroux teams with Simon Cowell for gritty look at boy bands in ’90s and ’00s

Interview candidates for the series include Robbie Williams, Brian McFadden, along with East 17, Blue, Five, 911, and Damage band members.

Additionally, interviews with music industry figures such as Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Nigel Martin-Smith (of Take That), Daniel Glatman (Blue), Chris Herbert (Five), and Steve Gilmour (911) will also be featured in the piece.

Theroux expressed great excitement about this series: It’s an extraordinary tale filled with celebrated figures and those who shaped their fame, covering a period of thirty years. Some of the leading icons of contemporary British pop are also part of this narrative.

“We follow their journey through ups and downs, talking to the main participants, as we trace the golden era of boy bands. We delve into how they formed, the impact of sudden stardom, the benefits and pitfalls that arose, internal disputes within groups, between groups, and between band members and their managers.”

This tale offers a captivating exploration of achieving one’s dreams only to find they’re not as expected, focusing on a group of young, prosperous yet fragile men and their managers. They enjoy life to the fullest while, in certain instances, teetering on the brink of breakdown.

Originally, we all admired those young groups, such as Take That, East 17, Westlife, Blue, Five, Damage, 911, and many others, as they performed in synchronized movements while singing and dancing. Now, these men have grown older, gaining both time and wisdom, allowing them to reminisce and contemplate their past experiences.

“It’s taken us more than a year to make the series. Now I’m just excited for people to see it.”

Boybands Forever will air on BBC Two in autumn 2024.

Read More

2024-08-29 13:04