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Netflix Drops Its Liam Payne Series Today. The Cast Paid Tribute To The Late Singer’s Gifts, But It’s Still An Eerie Watch

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Last year’s heartbreaking demise of Liam Payne stirred a profound sense of loss globally, as the One Direction sensation graced the hearts of countless fans worldwide. His absence continues to be deeply felt, yet his musical footprint remains indelible. Prior to his departure, Liam was immersed in a variety of endeavors, one of which was a Netflix singing competition series titled “Building the Band,” where he served as a mentor. Today, episodes 1 through 4 of this show debuted on the 2025 TV schedule, and watching it evoked a strange mix of emotions, as his legacy resonates profoundly throughout.

The Netflix series starts off by honoring the late singer through host AJ McLean, and this is just one of numerous heartfelt tributes following his demise. McLean explains that the show was recorded before Payne’s death in October, and mentions that he will appear in subsequent episodes. He acknowledges that since Payne’s passing, they have chosen to dedicate the entire series to him, highlighting his exceptional talent and kindness that will be greatly missed. In McLean’s words:

As I embarked on the journey to create Building the Band with my fellow filmmakers, little did we anticipate the bittersweet moment when we’d have to bid farewell to our friend, Liam Payne. Although he takes on a guest judge role in subsequent episodes, his profound passion for music and unwavering dedication towards helping others discover their musical voice are evident throughout. In tribute to him and his family, this series is dedicated to the spirit of Liam.

It’s worth mentioning that Payne isn’t featured in the initial four episodes accessible on Netflix at present. Instead, Nicole Scherzinger is there, serving as both mentor and judge to the aspiring artists. Her presence offers a sneak peek into what Payne’s role might be on the show. The absence of Payne is quite noticeable, almost like waiting for a big event to happen, as I found myself eagerly expecting him to make an appearance and pondering about his unique energy. The series was shot during the summer of 2024, mere months before the tragic passing of the singer.

In the show, we haven’t observed Payne yet, except for a brief glimpse at the end of episode 4. It’s not difficult to understand why he might have been invited to join. The series forms bands solely on the basis of raw talent, without considering any pre-existing stage chemistry. This approach is reminiscent of how One Direction was formed during the X Factor in 2010, as the judges combined individual talents with the hope that they would make an effective boy band. Indeed, their instincts proved correct, and the group went on to make history. If anyone understood creating stage chemistry from just vocal talent, it was Liam Payne.

The program stands out due to its distinctiveness among well-known singing contests. Yet, there’s an unsettling sense of expectation for Payne’s arrival, making us feel a bit on edge. Nevertheless, I believe it’s meaningful to share his work with his followers after his passing, probably his wish. So far, we haven’t seen his judge role in the show, and we’ll have to wait and see if the mood shifts as more episodes unfold.

You can stream the initial four installments of Building the Band right away on Netflix. Keep an eye out for Netflix’s 2025 lineup, as episodes 5 to 7 will be released on July 16, and the last set will premiere on July 23.

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2025-07-09 19:10

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