Video: MGM+ Unveils Official Trailer for "New Wave" Featuring Music Revolutionaries from Billy Idol, The Police, Devo, Duran Duran and More

MGM+ is set to debut a compelling four-part documentary series that delves into the transformative decade of New Wave music, spanning from 1977 to 1987. This docuseries, produced by This Machine Filmworks, offers an in-depth exploration of the genre’s evolution and its profound impact on music, fashion, and popular culture.

Emerging from a backdrop of rebellion and innovation, New Wave carved out a space for alternative culture to enter mainstream consciousness. The series traces this progression, highlighting how New Wave artists embraced emerging technologies and fostered inclusivity by amplifying voices from women and the LGBTQ+ community.

The narrative is enriched by contributions from a broad spectrum of influential musicians who shaped the sound and spirit of the era. Featured artists include Billy Idol, The Police, Devo, and Duran Duran, alongside other notable figures such as Andy Bell, Curt Smith, and Kate Pierson. Their perspectives collectively illuminate the creativity and cultural shifts that defined the movement.

Beyond musicianship, the docuseries incorporates insights from key industry players and media personalities who witnessed and influenced the New Wave surge. This includes MTV pioneers like Martha Quinn and Mark Goodman, as well as music executives and journalists who contextualize the genre’s commercial and cultural breakthroughs.

The decade covered by the series was marked by significant stylistic experimentation and the adoption of new technology in music production and performance. The docuseries emphasizes how these innovations propelled New Wave beyond musical boundaries, impacting fashion trends and visual aesthetics that remain influential today.

MGM+ positions this documentary as part of its broader commitment to premium original content, accessible via its ad-free streaming and linear platforms across multiple regions including the United States, Europe, and Latin America. This release complements the network’s portfolio of acclaimed series and docuseries across various genres.

Though the series premieres November 23, detailed episode content and further specifics about individual segments remain limited. However, the assembled talent and production team promise a comprehensive chronicle that both celebrates and critically examines New Wave’s enduring legacy.

Executive production is led by a team from This Machine Filmworks and Polygram Entertainment, signifying a collaboration between experienced documentarians dedicated to music history storytelling. MGM+ and its parent companies continue to leverage such partnerships to enrich their content offerings.

As New Wave music’s influence persists in contemporary culture, this documentary aims to provide both longtime fans and new audiences with a nuanced understanding of how this genre reshaped the musical landscape and social attitudes during a pivotal era.