Take That Docuseries Tracks UK Boy Band's Rise, Fall, and Comeback

The new Netflix series follows the 90s success and personal struggles of the British pop group.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The three-part Netflix docuseries "Take That" chronicles the rise, fall, and eventual comeback of the popular 1990s British boy band. Featuring interviews with the band members, including Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, and Mark Owen, the series traces the group's journey from their formation in Manchester in 1990 to their massive success, internal tensions, and eventual split in the mid-1990s, before their later reconciliation and revival.

Why it matters

The story of Take That reflects the broader arc of many successful boy bands, from their meteoric rise to fame fueled by catchy pop songs and choreographed dance moves, to the personal and creative conflicts that can tear such groups apart. The docuseries provides an intimate look at the pressures of fame and the challenges of maintaining a successful musical partnership over time.

The details

Take That was formed in 1990 after a Manchester-based impresario named Nigel Martin-Smith held auditions to create a New Kids on the Block-inspired boy band. He assembled Barlow, Williams, Donald, Orange, and Owen, with Barlow as the principal songwriter and vocalist. The group quickly found success in the UK, scoring numerous hit singles and album sales, but struggled to break through in the US market. Tensions within the band, particularly between Barlow and the more charismatic Williams, led to Williams' departure in 1995 and the eventual breakup of the group a year later. The docuseries chronicles the band members' personal and professional struggles during this period, as well as their eventual reconciliation and decision to reform Take That in the 2000s.

  • Take That was formed in 1990 after auditions held in Manchester.
  • The group scored numerous hit singles and albums in the UK throughout the early-to-mid 1990s.
  • Robbie Williams departed the band in 1995, leading to Take That's breakup in 1996.
  • The band members eventually reconciled and reformed Take That in the 2000s.

The players

Gary Barlow

The principal singer and songwriter of Take That, who was the driving creative force behind the band's success.

Robbie Williams

A member of Take That known for his charismatic stage presence, whose departure from the band in 1995 contributed to the group's breakup.

Howard Donald

A member of Take That who was part of the Manchester breakdance scene in the late 1980s before joining the band.

Jason Orange

A member of Take That who was primarily known as a dancer and performer rather than a songwriter.

Mark Owen

A member of Take That who, like Orange, was more focused on the band's dance routines and stage presence than the songwriting.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think anything can prepare you for what we were about to take on, come the '90s.”

— Gary Barlow (Netflix)

“You suddenly realize, 'This isn't me and my four mates singing on a stage. We're a business now.'”

— Gary Barlow (Netflix)

What’s next

The docuseries is set to continue chronicling Take That's personal and professional journey, including the band's eventual reconciliation and decision to reform in the 2000s.

The takeaway

The story of Take That's rise, fall, and comeback reflects the broader challenges and life cycle of many successful boy bands, highlighting the personal and creative tensions that can arise from sudden fame and the business pressures of the music industry.