New docs that go behind the music
Forget music videos — it’s all about music documentaries now.
The coming year will be filled with deep dives into pop and rock stardom, kicking off with Netflix’s “Britney vs Spears” (now streaming), which delves into the #FreeBritney movement and the saga that led to ousting her father from her conservatorship.
This follows a number of successful documentaries about musical celebs, including “Controlling Britney Spears” (Hulu), Apple TV+’s Billie Eilish doc, YouTube’s “Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil,” HBO’s “Tina” and Hulu’s “McCartney 3,2,1” all of which came out within the past few months.
And there are plenty more on the way. Whether you like bubble-gum pop, hip-hop, alternative or all of the above, here’s what to watch next.
‘Madame X’
Filmed in Lisbon, Portugal, where the iconic singer, 63, lives, “Madame X” features footage from Madonna’s 2019 tour that was ultimately cut short by the pandemic. Focusing on her 14th studio album, the tour was unique in setting, since she performed in small theater venues rather than arenas. It’s being released 30 years after her seminal documentary “Truth or Dare.” Where to watch it:
Paramount+, Oct. 8
‘Jeen-yuhs’
Shot over the course of two decades, this will be a documentary series about Kanye West, 44, including behind-thescenes details about his debut album, 2004’s “College Dropout.” West is not creatively involved in the making of the film, but he did give the filmmakers access. Netflix reportedly bought it for a whopping $30 million. Where to watch it: Netflix in 2022 (Date to be announced)
‘Celine Dion’
Her heart will go on. Celine Dion, 53, has announced that an “official” documentary is on the way from Sony Music Entertainment, diving into her life and career with her creative involvement. She hasn’t announced its title. Where to watch it: Premiere date and platform unannounced