MGM+'s New Wave Documentary Series —November 23

Let's Take You Back to the New Wave Revolution in MGM+'s New Documentary Series

If you grew up listening to New Wave, chances are the music didn't just give you a soundtrack. It gave you a whole new way of looking at the world. And beginning November 23, that story is getting the documentary treatment.

I'm excited to be part of New Wave, a new four-part documentary series premiering on MGM+, exploring the music, artists, and cultural movement that helped define the decade between 1977 and 1987.

As a consulting producer and one of the voices featured in the series, I'm thrilled to help tell the story of a musical revolution that continues to resonate with fans to this day.

A Decade That Changed Everything

New Wave wasn't just another musical trend. It was a movement. Emerging from the rebellious energy of punk and a generation of artists who refused to follow the rules, New Wave brought together an extraordinary mix of sounds, styles, and ideas.

From synthesizers and electronic experimentation to unforgettable melodies, distinctive fashion, and groundbreaking music videos, the movement helped reshape popular culture.

And then came MTV.

Suddenly, music wasn't just something you heard. It was something you watched, experienced, and connected with in an entirely new way. But the story of New Wave goes much deeper than the music. It was a movement that embraced individuality, welcomed outsiders, challenged conventions, and helped create a space for women and the LGBTQ+ community in a changing musical landscape. For so many people, New Wave wasn't simply about the bands or the songs. It was about finding your people.

The Artists Who Made It Happen

One of the most exciting things about this series is the incredible collection of artists, musicians, and industry personalities sharing their perspectives on the era.

The lineup includes some of the most influential names in New Wave and alternative music:

Billy Idol, John Taylor and Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Chris Frantz of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, Curt Smith of Tears for Fears, Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go's, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo, Andy Bell of Erasure, Andy McCluskey of OMD, Annabella Lwin of Bow Wow Wow, Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats, Brian Setzer of Stray Cats, Dave Wakeling of The English Beat, Martha Davis of The Motels, Thomas Dolby, and many more.

The series also features MTV personalities Mark Goodman and Martha Quinn, music journalist Matt Pinfield, music executive Miles Copeland, and yours truly.

It's an extraordinary gathering of people who helped create, champion, and bring New Wave into the mainstream.

Watch The Trailer

The Stories That Defined a Generation

What makes New Wave especially exciting is the opportunity to revisit not only the music but also the stories behind it. How did a movement that began on the fringes of popular culture become such a defining force? What happened when punk's rebellious spirit collided with synthesizers, music videos, and a new generation of artists? And why does the music continue to connect with audiences who weren't even born when some of these songs first hit the airwaves?

Directed by Douglas Tirola, the series takes viewers on a journey through the origins of New Wave, its rise to mainstream success, and its lasting influence on music, fashion, and pop culture. It's a story about creativity, individuality, and a generation that found its voice. And if you remember those years, you know just how much fun the ride was.

Coming November 23 on MGM+

New Wave premieres Monday, November 23, at 9 PM ET/PT on MGM+.

The four-part documentary series will bring the story of this remarkable musical era to life, with new episodes arriving weekly. Whether you lived through the original New Wave revolution or discovered the music years later, this is a chance to revisit the artists, sounds, and cultural moments that changed everything.

I hope you'll join me for the journey.

Get ready to turn it up. New Wave is coming!

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Credits

Executive Producerd by

Elise Pearlstein, RJ Cutler, Trevor Smith, Mark Blatty, Margaret Yen (This Machine Filmworks), Douglas Tirola, Susan Bedusa (4th Row Films), David Blackman, Madeline Post (Polygram Entertainment), and Tess Ranahan

Directed by Douglas Tirola (4th Row Films)

Written by Douglas Tirola (4th Row Films)

Company This Machine Filmworks, 4th Row Films, and Polygram Entertainment (in association with)

Consulting Producer

Richard Blade

How to Watch MGM+

Want to catch New Wave when it premieres?

You can watch MGM+ through the official MGM+ streaming service or through participating television and streaming providers.

MGM+ is available through services including DIRECTV, Xfinity, Cox, Sling, and Prime Video, with subscription options varying by provider.

Visit MGMplus.com to explore subscription options and find out how to watch.