‘New Wave’: MGM+ Unveils Trailer for Music Docuseries Featuring Billy Idol, Devo, Duran Duran & More
By Erin Maxwell
October 20, 2026
Before alternative music became mainstream, New Wave was shaking up the music industry with its rebellious sound, outrageous fashion, and boundary-pushing artists. Now, MGM+ is turning back the clock to revisit the musical revolution that helped define a generation with its new four-part docuseries, New Wave.
Spanning the years 1977 to 1987, the series explores how the movement emerged from the underground and transformed music, fashion, and pop culture. Along the way, it examines how New Wave broke barriers by embracing women, the LGBTQ+ community, and emerging technology, creating a cultural legacy that continues to influence artists today.
Featuring interviews with some of the movement’s biggest names, New Wave revisits the artists, songs, and cultural shifts that changed the musical landscape. MGM+ has also released the official trailer, offering a first look at the upcoming series. Here’s everything we know so far.
When will New Wave premiere?
The four-part docuseries will premiere on November 23 on MGM+.
Who will star in the docuseries?
Related
New Wave is set to feature Andy Bell (Erasure), Andy McCluskey (OMD), Annabella Lwin (Bow Wow Wow), Billy Idol, Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats), Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes), Brian Setzer (Stray Cats), Chris Frantz (Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club), Curt Smith (Tears for Fears), Danny Elfman (Oingo Boingo), Dave Wakeling (English Beat), Fred Schneider, Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Jim Kerr (Simple Minds), John Taylor (Duran Duran), Johnny Marr (The Smiths), Kate Pierson (The B-52s), Kathy Valentine (The Go-Go’s), Mark Goodman (MTV), Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), Martha Davis (The Motels), Martha Quinn (MTV), Matt Pinfield (music journalist), Miles Copeland (IRS Records music executive), Richard Blade (DJ), Stewart Copeland (The Police), and Thomas Dolby.
Who is behind New Wave?
Douglas Tirola directs New Wave and serves as an executive producer alongside David Blackman and Madeline Post of Polygram Entertainment; Mark Blatty, R.J. Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Trevor Smith, and Margaret Yen of This Machine Filmworks; Susan Bedusa of 4th Row Films; and Tess Ranahan. This Machine Filmworks is part of Sony Pictures Television. Richard Blade serves as consulting producer.
