MGM+ has released the official trailer for ‘New Wave,’ a four-part documentary series exploring the music, artists and cultural revolution that defined a generation between 1977 and 1987. Featuring music legends including Billy Idol, The Police, DEVO, Duran Duran and more, the upcoming docuseries charts how New Wave transformed the musical landscape and brought alternative culture into the mainstream.
Produced by This Machine Filmworks, ‘New Wave’ takes viewers on a journey from the genre’s rebellious beginnings to its lasting influence on music, fashion and pop culture. Through the voices of the artists who helped shape the movement, the series examines how a decade of creative experimentation challenged conventions and changed the sound of popular music.
At the heart of New Wave was a willingness to embrace new ideas, identities and technology. The movement helped create space for women and the queer community while pushing musical boundaries and redefining what mainstream culture could look and sound like. Its influence continues to resonate today, with the era’s distinctive sounds and styles remaining a powerful presence across music and popular culture.
The docuseries features an impressive line-up of musicians, industry figures and MTV personalities who witnessed the movement first-hand. Contributors include Billy Idol, Andy Bell of Erasure, Andy McCluskey of OMD, Annabella Lwin of Bow Wow Wow, Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats, Brian Ritchie of Violent Femmes, Brian Setzer of Stray Cats, Chris Frantz of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, Curt Smith of Tears for Fears, Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo and Dave Wakeling of English Beat.
Also appearing are Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, John Taylor of Duran Duran, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Kate Pierson of The B-52s, Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go’s, Mark Mothersbaugh of DEVO, Martha Davis of The Motels, Stewart Copeland of The Police and Thomas Dolby.
The series also features MTV personalities Mark Goodman and Martha Quinn, music journalist Matt Pinfield, DJ Richard Blade and Miles Copeland, the music executive behind IRS Records, offering further insight into the industry and cultural forces that helped bring New Wave to a wider audience.
Also in trailers – ‘In Waves’ trailer: Will Sharpe & Stephanie Hsu star in moving true-story romance
‘New Wave’ premieres 23 November on MGM+.
