Take That's Definitive Netflix Documentary: The Full Story of Britain's Iconic Boy Band
Netflix is set to premiere a compelling three-part documentary series titled Take That, offering an in-depth exploration of the legendary British boy band's remarkable journey. The series delves into their humble beginnings in Manchester during the early 1990s, tracing their path to global superstardom, the dramatic splits, heartfelt reunions, and their lasting impact on the music industry.
An Intimate Look at a Pop Phenomenon
The documentary promises to be a deeply personal and definitive account of one of the United Kingdom's most successful pop acts. It features rare and never-before-seen archival footage spanning their impressive career of over 35 years. Viewers will gain insights from new interviews with current members Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen, alongside archive appearances from former members Robbie Williams and Jason Orange.
Through their own words, the narrative focuses on the band's meteoric rise, unexpected fall, emotional reconciliation, and enduring resilience. The series officially launches on Netflix on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, at 8am UK time, providing fans with an unprecedented glimpse into the group's storied history.
From Manchester Beginnings to Chart-Topping Success
Take That was formed in Manchester in 1990 by manager Nigel Martin-Smith, who aimed to create a British counterpart to New Kids on the Block. The original lineup included Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange. Initially, the band faced significant struggles, with their early singles failing to make a substantial impact.
However, their fortunes changed dramatically with the release of "It Only Takes a Minute" in 1992. This breakthrough propelled them into the mainstream, leading to hit albums such as Everything Changes (1993) and Nobody Else (1995). Their catalogue of iconic hits includes "Pray" (their first UK number one), "Relight My Fire", "Back for Good" (a global smash), "Never Forget", and "Sure".
Take That quickly became the biggest band in Britain, selling millions of records and dominating charts, magazines, and television. They distinguished themselves by performing with live vocals, writing their own songs, and evolving from dance-pop to a more mature pop-rock sound, with Gary Barlow penning nearly all their hits.
Lineup Changes, Splits, and Triumphant Reunions
The band's trajectory was marked by significant lineup changes. Robbie Williams departed in 1995 amid struggles with fame, mental health, and substance use, as well as creative and personal clashes. The remaining four members continued, releasing "Never Forget", but the momentum waned, leading to their shocking split announcement in February 1996.
Post-split, Robbie Williams soared as a solo artist with hits like "Angels" and "Feel", while Gary Barlow faced public challenges including weight gain, depression, and career setbacks. Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange retreated from the spotlight temporarily.
In 2005, the band reunited as a four-piece without Robbie, releasing successful albums Beautiful World (2006) and The Circus (2008), with hits such as "Patience", "Shine", and "Rule the World". Their stadium tours sold out rapidly, showcasing a more mature and confident sound.
Robbie Williams rejoined in 2010, making them a five-piece again. The album Progress broke UK sales records, and the Progress Live Tour became one of the highest-grossing tours in UK history. However, Robbie stepped back in 2011 to focus on his solo career and family.
Jason Orange quietly left the band in 2014, opting for a private life. The trio of Gary, Mark, and Howard continued respectfully, without drama, maintaining their success through new albums and tours—a rare feat for any band decades into their career.
Enduring Legacy and Modern Relevance
Take That has adeptly adapted to the times, engaging a large online audience with over 710,000 followers on Instagram. They recently announced The Circus Live tour, with multiple sold-out stadium shows scheduled for this summer. The band expressed their gratitude on social media, stating, "Your support blows us away - 4 sold-out stadium shows already! If you’ve got your Circus Live tickets, let us know in the comments where we’ll see you next year."
This Netflix documentary not only celebrates their past achievements but also highlights their ongoing influence and ability to connect with fans across generations, solidifying their status as an enduring icon in British music history.
