Everyone used to want to be part of New Kids on the Block. A new Netflix documentary series titled “Take That” explores how, in the late 1980s, the monumental success of NKOTB inspired a fresh group of singers and dancers aiming to become the biggest pop act ever. Right from Manchester, England, they had their moment of fame, but it came crashing down. Yet like a pop band rising from the ashes, Take That bounced back. Over three episodes, the series traces the band’s classic ups and downs.
So, should you stream it or give it a miss?
The opening scene sets the stage with an old tape of the band having fun backstage while performing their hit “Back for Good.”
Key insights come from interviews with Gary Barlow, the main singer and songwriter, Robbie Williams, and other group members like Howard Donald, Jason Orange, and Mark Owen. They all admit they were mainly focused on dancing. Curiously, there are no on-camera interviews or outside commentary. Barlow does mention that rewriting history is easy, but it’s unclear when the narration was actually recorded. The documentary leans heavily on personal memories that seem to do just that.
The beginnings of Take That trace back to a 1990 audition in Manchester, aiming to create a group reminiscent of NKOTB. There’s always a driving force in these stories, and for Take That, it was Nigel Martin-Smith, who put together the band around Barlow, impressing him with a homemade demo filled with original songs.
Comparing them to their contemporaries, like OMD, Barlow’s first performance was at a social club where he played and sang for older audiences. But with the group surrounding him, complete with plenty of spandex, cheesy accessories, and elaborate dance moves, they transitioned from juggling multiple performances in one day to securing a major record deal and appearances on music shows.
However, Take That never quite made it big in America, one of the ultimate goals for such bands, until they were on the brink of breaking up. This tumultuous period in 1995-1996 marks the end of the first series. After Robbie left for a solo career, the remaining members found it challenging to sustain their success. The episode highlights the group’s long journey, filled with personal reconciliations and, eventually, a revitalization. Barlow reflects on the realization that they weren’t just a band, but a business now.
Interestingly, Robbie Williams doesn’t have new interviews in this series, possibly because he already has his own documentary. Yet, it’s still an engaging watch. His honest memories of the early days are infused with personality, and some might say his eccentricities inspired him to play a CGI chimpanzee in his own film.
For fans of pop groups, another upcoming documentary titled “Dirty Pop: Boy Band Scam” will explore the early years of NKOTB and their rocky relationship with their manager.
In terms of how the series stacks up, it starts and ends with their 1995 hit “Back for Good,” their most recognized song in the world, and notably, the only one to hit the top of the U.S. charts. This may suggest issues related to its appeal for American Netflix viewers since Take That didn’t leave a significant mark in the States, overshadowed by groups like NKOTB, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. Viewed through that lens, Take That appears intriguing—a new angle on a story many think they already know.
The series embraces the feel of the ’90s with its old-school technology look, mimicking VHS playback issues while putting together archived live performances from diverse venues. It captures the group’s charm, especially Robbie Williams, whose antics steal the spotlight.
For audiences outside the UK, Take That tells a complete tale of a pop group closed off from the world. When talent meets charisma and friendship, things often take off—until money and egos disrupt everything.
The documentary is rich in archival footage, showcasing how sex appeal played a big role in the band’s earlier years. See for yourself in their “Do What U Like” video, which speaks volumes about the era.
By the second episode, the tension builds as it reveals the band’s imminent breakup in 1996.
In amusing moments, Donald shares how he joined the group and paints a picture of Manchester’s breakdancing scene in the late ’80s, complete with quirky home videos of kids enjoying themselves.
Barlow’s line summarizes it all: “We’ve reached the top of the mountain, but it was also the beginning of the end for us.” Quite foreboding.
Our verdict? Stream it. Over three episodes, while you might not recognize all the players, the familiar narrative of rising to fame, facing hard times, and ultimately finding a way back is something many can relate to.
