Boy George, Belinda Carlisle, Billy Idol and More Rock (and Rule) the ’80s in New Wave Doc—See the Trailer! (Exclusive)
By Angel Saunders
October 20, 2026
The pop genre that defined the ’80s is getting the deep-dive treatment in an upcoming docuseries.
PEOPLE has the exclusive first look at the trailer for New Wave. The Douglas Tirola-directed four-part documentary will feature in-depth interviews with iconic artists and voices from the era, including Billy Idol, Stewart Copeland, Miles Copeland, Richard Blade, Tom Tom Club and many more.
“This series tells the fascinating story of new wave music and the decade from 1977 to 1987 that brought alternative culture into the mainstream,” an official synopsis reads.
“The four-part series will take us on a journey through the rise of new wave, from its rebellious origins to its influential impact on music, fashion and pop culture. New wave defined a generation and reshaped the musical landscape in part by embracing women, the queer community and new technology while in the process creating a legacy that is still influencing us today,” the synopsis continues.
New Wave’s trailer opens with the artists who were influenced by and contributed to the genre discussing how the pop-oriented music and art movement with heavy punk-rock style was “a real revolution.”
“The fashion, the sound, gave you a sense of freedom,” Idol, 70, says in the series, which is executive produced by RJ Cutler.
As industry legends share their takes on new wave’s legacy, archival footage shows the all-female rock band the Go-Go’s performing one of their most recognizable songs, “We Got the Beat.” The 1981 hit provides the soundtrack for the rest of the trailer.
As brief performance clips from new wave acts flash by, Stray Cats’ Brian Setzer, 67, notes, “New wave was a break in tradition.” The B-52s’ Kate Pierson, 78, comments on “the signature look” and “big hair” that was popular in the ’80s.
Later, Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh, 76, reflects on the “Whip It” band’s outsider status, saying, “We felt kind of misunderstood,” while other stars from the era tout the omnipresence of the genre whose influence lives on in the music and visuals of artists like Chappell Roan and Troye Sivan.
“Music discovered in our teenage years has a unique power to shape our identities,” Tirola previously told Variety of the project. “For me, that music was new wave.”
“Between 1977 and 1987, music defined who you were and where you belonged. But new wave created a space for those who didn’t fit into traditional groups. It embraced individuality, challenged conventions and welcomed outsiders. Its artists combined the rebellious spirit of punk with an openness that transformed music, fashion and popular culture,” he added.
“At its heart, New Wave is a story about people fighting to be heard, accepted and celebrated for who they are. And what better way to tell that story than through music you can dance to?,” the director said.
Chris Frantz of Talking Heads, Curt Smith of Tears for Fears, Fred Schneider of the B-52s, Johnny Marr of the Smiths, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds and Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s also participated.
Ahead of New Wave’s release, the B-52s will receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 11:30 a.m. PT.
New Wave premieres Nov. 23, 2026, on MGM+.
