Netflix’s new series Simon Cowell: The Next Act has generated significant buzz, but it might not be the genuine exploration of the music mogul’s life that many were anticipating. Marketed as an intimate documentary, the show appears to follow Cowell in a more personal, behind-the-scenes setting. This frame suggests viewers are being offered a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the enigmatic figure who once dominated the entertainment landscape.
In the early 2000s, Simon Cowell was a household name, known for his role on shows like The X Factor and Pop Idol, where he had the power to launch or derail careers in a matter of moments. His influence reached extraordinary heights, making him a key player in the entertainment industry. However, his visibility has notably waned in the last few years, during which he dealt with significant challenges, including a serious back injury and the perception that he was becoming a health fanatic. The question looming over him was what he was doing in the absence of The X Factor, a concern deepened by whispers of a reclusive lifestyle.
However, what unfolds in Simon Cowell: The Next Act is not a personal story of redemption or a candid look at his life outside of television. Instead, it swiftly pivots back to familiar territory—the very essence of The X Factor. As the series progresses, viewers witness Cowell bickering with his partner, Lauren Silverman, only for the narrative to ultimately shift back to auditioning new talent. It follows a predictable formula reminiscent of his previous endeavors: auditions, boot camps, and emotional backstories meant to draw viewers in, albeit unsuccessfully in some instances.
Cowell’s determination to create a new boyband reflects his past successes, especially with One Direction, while also revealing his envy of the K-pop industry, known for its intense training and stringent management. However, this admiration for the K-pop model raises ethical questions, given the often harsh realities faced by its performers.
While specific details about the show’s conclusion are kept under wraps, the prevailing sentiment suggests that viewers might want to temper their expectations. Following an earlier failed attempt at a singing show on Netflix—Building the Band—observations indicate that the end goal here seems to primarily serve Cowell’s own comeback rather than providing an engaging narrative about the young hopefuls involved.
The series gives the impression that the contestants, who are left with minimal development within the storyline, exist merely as pawns in Cowell’s quest for renewed fame. In a parallel to Nathan Fielder’s comedic exploration in The Rehearsal, where aspiring singers were unwittingly part of a different agenda, Simon Cowell: The Next Act similarly seems to revolve around elevating Cowell’s status rather than genuinely showcasing the contestants’ journeys.
Available now on Netflix, the series raises questions about the nature of celebrity and authenticity, particularly in a landscape saturated with reality programming. As Cowell reclaims his place in the limelight, viewers are left wondering whether this is what they truly signed up for.
