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Simon Cowell’s ‘The Next Act’ Premieres Wednesday on Netflix With Global Boy-Band Hunt

The series follows Cowell’s comeback from a filming pause triggered by Liam Payne’s death.

Overview

  • The six-episode docuseries tracks large-scale auditions in the UK as Cowell tries to assemble a new boy band.
  • Cowell says he halted filming for weeks in October 2024, describing himself as "in pieces" after learning of Payne’s death.
  • By that point, he had seen roughly 1,200 boys and narrowed the field to 16, according to recent interviews.
  • Cowell met with contestants and parents, offered them the choice to withdraw, and pledged robust support; all opted to continue.
  • Episodes include personal scenes with partner Lauren Silverman as Cowell also taps industry veteran Pete Waterman to assist the search.