TV/Film

This Harry Styles Hit Soundtracks the New Brie Larson-Led ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ Trailer: Watch

Before he took over the world with “As It Was” and won his first Grammy for “Watermelon Sugar,” Harry Styles made his first solo statement with the brooding pop-rock epic “Sign of the Times.” On Thursday (Sept. 14), Apple TV+ gave the song a second life by having it soundtrack the new trailer for Lessons in Chemistry, the streamer’s Brie Larson-led drama.

Harry Styles

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Based on Bonnie Garmus’ New York Times best-selling debut novel of the same name, Lessons in Chemistry explores the story of Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson), a scientist-turned-celebrity chef host who must navigate 1950s patriarchy at every turn. Zott becomes the star of a cooking show titled Supper at Six after losing her laboratory job as a chemist.

“In life, discoveries usually lead to more questions. The only constant variable is the unexpected,” Zott says in the trailer. “We can’t control it. It’s only when you look backwards that you see how it was all connected.”

In the trailer, “Sign of the Times” — which served as Styles’ first official debut solo single following One Direction’s hiatus — appears once Zott is let go from the laboratory and met with the proposition to host Supper at Six. From there, Zott’s burgeoning feminist bent blossoms into direct messaging with quips such as “I stand proudly with the overlooked workhorse of the kitchen, women and baked potatoes” and “Why do you assume that his day was longer than hers? Why don’t you make the drink?” The trailer teases how Zott’s fearlessness gives her a platform that she must reckon with in the face of the virulent sexism and racism of 1950s America.

The Aggregate Films-produced show stars Larsson, How to Get Away With Murder actress Aja Naomi King, Top Gun: Maverick star Lewis Pullman, Stephanie Koenig, Kevin Sussman, Patrick Walker and Thomas Mann. Seven-time Emmy Award-nominee Lee Eisenberg serves as showrunner.

The first two episodes of Lessons in Chemistry will be available to stream on Apple TV+ on Oct. 13. New episodes will become available every Friday through Nov. 24.

In 2017, “Sign of the Times” debuted and peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first of Styles’ seven career top 10 hits on the chart. He has since added a pair of chart-toppers: 2019’s “Watermelon Sugar” (one week) and 2022’s “As It Was” (15 weeks). “Times” also served as the lead single for its parent album, Styles’ eponymous debut solo studio album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — his first of three career No. 1 titles on the ranking.

Watch the trailer for Lessons in Chemistry featuring Styles’ hit song above.

*NSYNC Reunite for ‘Trolls Band Together’ Song ‘Better Place’: See the Release Date & New Trailer

After decades of fans hoping for an *NSYNC musical reunion, the day has finally come: The five-member boy band’s Trolls Band Together soundtrack contribution “Better Place” was announced first thing Thursday (Sept. 14) along with a new trailer for the animated threequel.

The song — which appears to follow in the upbeat footsteps of Trolls lead single “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” and Trolls World Tour opener “The Other Side” — is available to pre-save now but won’t be released until Sept. 29.

The song marks *NSYNC’s first musical release since 2002 (when the Neptunes remix of “Girlfriend,” featuring Nelly, arrived) and it comes just days after the group — Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris KirkpatrickJoey Fatone and Lance Bass — stepped onstage together at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards to present the award for best pop to Taylor Swift for “Anti-Hero.” The group last took the VMAs stage in 2013, for Timberlake’s Video Vanguard Award medley performance.

Rumors of *NSYNC’s reunion began swirling after a number of Trolls Band Together posters popped up in New York, featuring the first letter of the *NSYNC logo and a QR code. The code takes you to this site — TakeYouToABetterPlace.com — which teases the whistling pop tune. Timberlake stars in the upcoming film, returning as the troll Branch alongside Anna Kendrick’s Poppy, but the new movie’s plot follows as Branch reunites with his brothers to get their childhood boy band, BroZone, back together. While *NSYNC comes back together for the soundtrack, in the film, Timberlake’s bandmate brothers are voiced by Troye Sivan, Eric André, Daveed Diggs and Kid Cudi.

BroZone in 'Trolls Band Together'

DreamWorks Animation

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, *NSYNC released four studio albums: 1997’s ‘N Sync, 1998’s Home for Christmas, 2000’s No Strings Attached and 2001’s Celebrity.

Trolls Band Together hits theaters on Nov. 17. Watch the new trailer below.

Rita Ora to Step In as ‘Masked Singer’ Season 11 Judge for Nicole Scherzinger

On Wednesday (Sept. 13), Rita Ora was announced as the next judge on The Masked Singer, joining the panel for the show’s 11th season, filling in for Nicole Scherzinger.

“We’re grateful to have the amazing @ritaora shine her light and join us as a panelist on #TheMaskedSinger Season 11!” the show shared on Instagram. Fox TV’s Instagram account replied, “Can’t wait for my girl, Rita Ora!”

The 32-year-old “I Will Never Let You Down” singer took to her Instagram Story to share her excitement, writing, “So happy the secret is finally out. I’m joining the @maskedsingerfox US! Can’t wait to try and guess who’s behind the mask with the other panelists.”

The news of Ora’s placement on the show comes amid original judge Nicole Scherzinger joining the cast of Sunset Boulevard on London’s West End. The show, presented by Andrew Lloyd Webber, opens Sept. 20 at the Savoy Theatre in London and runs through Jan. 4, 2024, so Ora will fill in for Scherzinger while she’s overseas.

“In 20 days I’ll be taking the stage as Norma Desmond alongside an incredible cast of talented humans!” The Pussycat Dolls frontwoman shared via Instagram, captioning a series of of pictures from rehearsals. Scherzinger first announced she nailed the leading role in a May 19 Instagram post.

Serving as a panelist on a reality competition won’t be new for Ora: She previously sat on the judges panel for The Masked Singer UK for four seasons, and her other credits include The Voice: Australia, The X Factor UK and America’s Next Top Model.

Season 10 of The Masked Singer — with the O.G. judging panel of Scherzinger, Robin Thicke, Ken Jeong and Jenny McCarthy, alongside host Nick Cannon — premieres Sept. 27 on Fox, after a kick-off episode this past weekend unmasked Demi Lovato as Anonymouse.

See Ora’s casting announcement below.

Ally Brooke, Macy Gray, Chet Hanks & More Join MTV’s ‘The Surreal Life’ Cast

The Surreal Life is returning to MTV, and the network announced its diverse cast for the upcoming season on Wednesday (Sept. 13).

R&B/soul singer Macy Gray, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s son Chet Hanks, former Fifth Harmony member Ally Brooke, rapper O.T. Genasis, TV personality Kim Zolciak, figure skater Johnny Weir and influencer and model Josie Canseco are all set to appear on the iconic series, which is scheduled to start production this month.

The Surreal Life records celebrities as they live in a Hollywood Hills mansion for two weeks, as viewers at home get to see group activities as well as developments of personal relationships between the castmembers. Last season, which aired on VH1, included a lineup including Dennis Rodman, August Alsina, CJ Perry, Frankie Muniz, Kim Coles, Manny MUA, Stormy Daniels and Tamar Braxton.

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The show is is executive produced by Adam Gonzalez for A Game Productions with MTV Entertainment Studios and by Samuel Duque for Telecolombia International Studios. For MTV Entertainment Studios, executive producers include Tolani Holmes, Elena Diaz and Camilo Valdes with Matthew Parillo as executive in charge of production. 

While the upcoming season is underway, you can catch up on the previous season on Paramount+. The streamer offers a free trial for the first week, plus a 50% discount on its annual plans. The limited deal means you can subscribe to the Essential plan for just $30, or $60 for Paramount+ with Showtime.

Jason Mraz, Lele Pons & More Join ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 32 Cast

Another year, another heated competition to claim the mirrorball trophy! On Wednesday morning (Sept. 13), Good Morning America revealed the full celebrity cast for season 32 of Dancing With the Stars.

Among the cast — which includes NFL stars and Emmy nominees — there are a few notable musicians. As previously reported, Jamie Lynn Spears will be competing on America’s favorite celebrity ballroom dance competition alongside pro Alan Bersten. In 2014, Spears, the younger sister of pop icon Britney Spears, reached the Billboard 200 (No. 193) with her debut country EP The Journey.

Other musicians include two-time Grammy winner Jason Mraz and “Celoso” singer Lele Pons. Mraz — who is paired with Daniella Karagach — boasts a pair of top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “I’m Yours” (No. 6) and “I Won’t Give Up” (No. 8). In a little over a week (Sept. 22), he will release the deluxe version of We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. — which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 — in honor of its 15th anniversary.

Pons, a social media influencer, actress and singer who will be dancing with Brandon Armstrong, has charted several hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs ranking. In 2018, “Celoso,” her second entry on any Billboard chart, debuted and peaked at No. 11 on Latin Songs. A collaboration with Puerto Rican rapper Guyanaa, whom she married earlier this year, titled “Se Te Nota” is her most recent entry on the chart, peaking at No. 33.

Check out the full season 32 DWTS cast below:

  • Singer Jason Mraz with pro Daniella Karagach
  • Singer-actress Jamie Lynn Spears with pro Alan Bersten
  • Singer and social media influencer Lele Pons with pro Brandon Armstrong
  • Brady Bunch actor Barry Williams with pro Peta Murgatroyd
  • Veep actor Matt Walsh with pro Koko Iwasaki
  • American Pie actress Alyson Hannigan with pro Sasha Farber
  • Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and real estate agent Mauricio Umansky with pro Emma Slater
  • Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix with pro Pasha Pashkov
  • Too Hot To Handle star and social media influencer Harry Jowsey with pro Rylee Arnold
  • Model and actor Tyson Beckford with pro Jenna Johnson
  • NFL running back Adrian Peterson with pro Britt Stewart
  • Multiverse of Madness actress Xochitl Gomez with pro Val Chmerkovskiy
  • Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino with pro Gleb Savchenko
  • The Bachelorette star Charity Lawson with pro Artem Chigvintsev

Dancing With the Stars season 32 will be hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and former pro and judge Julianne Hough. At the judging table are Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. The competition kicks of Sept. 26 on ABC.

Roland Abante Delivers ‘Memorable’ Performance of ‘I Will Always Love You’ on ‘AGT’: Watch

Great songs have a life of their own. Consider “I Will Always Love You.” Dolly Parton’s original is the stuff of legend. Whitney Houston’s cover for the all-conquering The Bodyguard soundtrack, iconic.

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Now, there’s the Roland Abante’s heart-wrenching rendition for America’s Got Talent.

Abante, a fisherman from the Philippines, left nothing to chance as he belted out the classic ballad, hitting an array of high notes, with force, control and enough feel to touch everyone in the room.

A standing ovation awaited.

“Look at everyone here. They’re going crazy for you,” remarked Sofia Vergara. “People love you.” This qualifier performance she said, was a “good job tonight, you’re amazing.”

Did Simon Cowell like it? No, not exactly. “Somehow, I loved it,” he remarked. The acerbic Brit recounted how, during his emotional audition, Abante was “singing your life out on stage there. That’s what makes this competition exciting. People who come from all over the world to fulfill their dreams.” America, he remarks, “loves you.”

Fellow judge Howie Mandel remarked, “the perfect song, the perfect voice, it was spectacular. When he sang I will always love you, you just made everyone in the world love you. This was memorable. I believe this was the performance of a final.”

Heidi Klum loved the performance too, remarking that if there was access to a golden buzzer to push him through to the final, she’d hit it.

Sadly, there isn’t. Just two performers from this round go through. Now it’s America’s turn to vote.

Following his audition earlier in season 18, Abante, speaking through an interpreter, explained that he caught fish in the morning, and was a courier and ride-share driver through the rest of the working day. The extent of his stage activity back home is singing karaoke. Judging by his performances on the AGT stage, that lifestyle could be about to change.

Watch the performance below.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=zBpuzAupZQk&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Watch Ice Spice School Ben Affleck on Munchkins in New Ad for Her Dunkin’ Drink

Ice Spice knows what’s what! The rising rap star drops some knowledge on Ben Affleck in a Dunkin’ ad promoting her newly announced drink collab in the spot that aired Tuesday (Sept. 12) during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

The commercial kicks off with the Oscar-winning actor boasting that he’s been promoted to Dunkin’s brand ambassador. (In his Super Bowl 2023 ad for the the coffee and doughnut chain, the star — who is known for his love of Dunkin’ — works the drive-thru window.) He then sits down with the “Munch (Feelin’ U)” rapper, who’s holding a Munchkin doughnut hole in one hand.

“We gotta come up with a drink name, but it’s not easy, right? Nowadays, with social media, the kids — it’s gotta be authentic,” Affleck informs the rapper in a thick Boston accent. “How are people gonna connect you with Dunkin’?”

“Yeah, I’m a Dunkin’ girl!” she shares, which confuses the Air star. The musician then gives him a lesson on who she is and her fandom’s name, telling him, “Ice Spice? My fans are the Munchkins?”

Still confused, Affleck wonders, “Where’re you going with this?”

“Ice … Spice … Munchkins drink?” the rapper spells out slowly for him, a box of Munchkins doughnut holes in front of her.

The director still doesn’t comprehend, and spits out another suggestion — including an attempt to rhyme, which does not impress the actual rapper at the table.

“Collaborating with Dunkin’ and Ben Affleck on this spot was a dream,” the rapper said in a statement. “The drink has a fun twist, a little something in the name for my fans, too. I can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

“Pumpkin spice season has gotten a bit predictable lately, so we sought help from our friends Ben
Affleck and Ice Spice to create a new pumpkin obsession that only Dunkin’ can offer,” said Jill McVicar
Nelson, chief marketing officer at Dunkin’, in a statement about the beverage, which arrives Sept. 13. “The result? The collaboration you never knew you needed: Pumpkin Munchkins and Frozen Dunkin’ Coffee, blended together to create the Ice Spice MUNCHKINS® Drink.”

According to the brand, this is the first time that one of its doughnuts has been combined with its frozen drinks. The Ice Spice Munchkins beverage blends the pumpkin-flavored Munchkin with a frozen coffee, which is then topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle to create the fall-themed drink.

Dunkin’ and Ice Spice are doing more than just an ad spot and social media posts to promote their collaboration. On Tuesday, hours ahead of the VMAs, the rapper revealed a lavish diamond necklace that spelled out “munchkins.” The brand confirmed to Billboard that the blinged-out accessory — which was designed by high-end jeweler Eliantte and features more than 80 carats of diamonds and a chain made from 14k white and rose gold — will be worn by the rapper when she attends MTV’s annual awards show, where she’s nominated for best new artist and push performance of the year for “Princess Diana.”

Watch Ice Spice and Ben Affleck’s Dunkin’ ad above.

Amazon Slashes Halloween Movies Up to 64%: Shop ‘The Shining’, ‘Silence of the Lambs’, ‘M3gan’ & More

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Spooky season is upon us which means along with thinking up a killer Halloween costume, there are various other festivities and traditions to partake in — including scary movie marathons. From jump scares to timeless horror characters like Freddy Kruger and Chucky, there are practically an endless amount of spooks and scares to look forward to this season.

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Amazon wants you to get a kickstart the spooky celebration with a major scary movie sale. Like we’re talking prices slashed up to 64% (!!!). That includes Blu-ray and 4K editions, which means collectors can quite literally stock up on all their favorites to watch on repeat.

There may be plenty of affordable streaming options for cord cutters out there, but nothing quite beats a classic DVD — especially for road trips and camping excursions, then you can consider them travel necessities. Plus, they don’t require a subscription to watch, just pop it in your DVD or Blu-ray player and you’re all set.

Everything from classic horror movies like The Shining to newer releases such as M3gan are up for grabs — so prepare to be glued to your couch until Halloween night. Rather than wait from Prime Big Deals Day (happening sometime in Oct.), take advantage of these early discounts then, grab your nearest blanket, pop some popcorn and if you’re brave enough, don’t forget to turn off the lights.

Keep reading to shop some of the biggest deals below or see every movie on sale here.

black, white and red movie cover

Amazon

“The Shining”

$14.99 $41.99 64% OFF

The 4K edition of this classic horror movie includes a Blu-ray and digital download of the film to take with you wherever. Plus, if you’re looking for a double-feature, consider adding this Blu-ray to your cart, which includes The Shining in addition to its sequel Doctor Sleep.

For those new to the movie, it stars Jack Nicholson who plays a father that takes his family to an isolated resort in an attempt to help with his writers block. What awaits them is terror and madness as Nicholson’s character begins to grow homicidal and his son is terrorized by eery psychic premonitions.

black and white dvd cover

Amazon

“Halloween” (2018)

$13.49 $29.98 55% OFF

Fans of the cult classic can now watch the 2018 version DVD in 4K definition for less than $15 as they watch Jamie Lee Curtis’ character go face-to-face yet again with Michael Myers. This time though, he escapes from a mental institute and is set on causing chaos and death.

Want to watch them all? Snag this collection of the films from 1970-2002, so you can learn how the crazed killer got his start.

dvd cover with Elizabeth Moss

Amazon

“The Invisible Man”

$10.98 $22.98 52% OFF

While this movie may be $11, it doesn’t come with budget scares. Instead, gear up for a suspense-filled film starring Elizabeth Moss (from The Handmaid’s Tale) who plays the ex-girlfriend of a crazed scientist (played by Oliver Jackson). When the scientist fakes a suicide, he sets his sights on Moss’ character and begins to terrorize her until she decides to take matters into her own hands.

dvd cover with AI m3gan doll

Amazon

“M3GAN”

$13.79 $24.98 45% OFF

AI takes doll form in the movie M3gan, which sees a toy maker (played by Allison Williams) create a lifelike doll designed to be a child’s companion. Things take a turn for the worst though when Williams’ character decides to give her prototype to her 8-year-old niece and the doll begins to take its roll as protector a little too seriously.

movie cover with man outside home

Amazon

“Poltergeist”

$14.99 $33.99 56% OFF

Poltergeist is an oldie, but a goodie when it comes to horror movies as it brings all the timeless scares and horror. The film shows what happens when seemingly “friendly” ghosts show their true intentions. And did we mention it’s over half off?

hannibal lecter on dvd cover

Amazon

The Hannibal Lecter Collection

$13.99 $24.98 44% OFF

At just $14, you can binge the entire Hannibal Lecter series including the creepy Silence of the Lambs, which features the famous “Hello, Clarice” line that still sends chills down many viewers’ backs.

clown on dvd cover

Amazon

“It: Chapter Two”

$13.49 $24.98 46% OFF

Return to Derry, Maine, with the Loser’s Club in IT: Chapter Two. Now adults, the are still plagued by horrifying memories of the past. When people from their hometown start disappearing, the club joins forces again to take a final stand against the terrifying Pennywise, the clown.

Snag both films in this collectable edition and, if you’re curious about the cult classic version from the ’90s, you can rent or buy it on Prime Video here.

dvd cover with shattered glass and scenes from the movie

Amazon

“Get Out”

$9.99 $22.98 57% OFF

Jordan Peele makes his directorial debut with the horrifying film Get Out, which is currently on sale for a steal at less than $10. The movie comes in three versions: 4K edition, Blu-ray and a digital download. Fans of Peele can also collect all three of his movies in a collectable Blu-ray edition that includes Get Out, Us and Nope.

You can expect to follow a couple (played by Daniel Kaluuya and Allison Williams) as they go to visit the girlfriend’s parents. Once there, Kaluuya’s character tries to dismiss her parent’s overly accommodating behavior as a way to deal with their daughter’s interracial relationship. That is until he begins to unravel disturbing secrets about her family and their true nature.

dvd cover with joaquin phoenix on front

Amazon

“Joker”

$14.99 $24.99 40% OFF

Discover the origin story of Batman’s greatest nemesis: the Joker. The movie is currently 40% dropping it down to less than $15. You’ll be able to watch Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix in 4K definition as he starts his disturbing journey into becoming one of the most chilling villains Gotham City’s superhero has ever had to face.

Curious how Batman gets his start? You can also snag the The Batman on Blu-ray for 48% off and get all caught up before the Joker sequel hits theaters soon.

Looking to stream these horror flicks too? Prime Video and other streamers such as Shudder and AMC+ have a wide selection of spooky offerings that’ll keep you busy. Most of the movies up above can be found on streamers as well as access to streamer-exclusive content you won’t find on DVD. Prime Video also offers premium channels you can add on to your subscription, which will widen your offering of scary movies.

Shudder on Prime Video

$6.99/month after 7 days free

Films you can look forward to watching include The Call, Children of the Corn, Halloween, Mayhem, Stay Out of the Attic, Possession, Leave, The Babadook, Host, The Medium, Quicksand, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and more.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best laptop deals, TV deals and streaming device deals.

Jamie Lynn Spears Joins ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Cast: ‘I’ll Donate My Weekly Salary to SAG, WGA’

Follow Jamie Lynn Spears into the ballroom, because the singer-actress is joining season 32 of Dancing With the Stars! Good Morning America revealed on Tuesday (Sept. 12) that the star will be showing off her dance moves to compete for the mirrorball trophy alongside pro hoofer Alan Bersten.

“I don’t know if one can be 100 percent ready to take on something this big,” she admitted to host Lara Spencer. “I didn’t realize what a commitment it is, but it definitely is. I’m ready to challenge myself, and also being able to do it for a reason that means a lot to me while everybody in my community’s on strike in SAG. I’ve had this unique opportunity where I was offered a chance to work when my community cannot work. So I figured, ‘I’ll do this, and I’ll donate my weekly salary to SAG, WGA — just give back to them in a time where they can’t even give to themselves.”

The writers’ strike has been going on for months, with the Writers Guild of America taking to the picket line on May 2, and SAG-AFTRA on July 14. Members are seeking fair compensation and better working conditions.

“Typically, I’d be working on different ventures, but I think it’s just important that I have this opportunity, and if I get up there, and even if I embarrass myself, I’m doing it for a good reason,” Spears, who found fame as a teen on Nickelodeon’s Zoey 101, said later in the interview. “Hopefully, [I’m] giving back to a community that’s literally given back to me since I was a little girl.”

The “Follow Me” singer, whose big sister is pop superstar Britney Spears, says she’s also looking forward to how the ballroom competition — which has been known to get contestants into fantastic physical shape during the competition due to the long hours of practice — will improve her physique. “I’m looking forward to that!” she shared. “Maybe when I come back here, I’ll be a dress size smaller!”

Bersten, who won the trophy in season 28 alongside The Bachelorette‘s Hannah Brown, said that the pair has already had their first rehearsal. “It’s been great,” he told Spencer. “Jamie Lynn is so hard-working and so dedicated. … We get along so well!”

Spears will go into the competition with a little bit of dance experience. “I grew up with the traditional sense of dancing. Like, everyone does tap, jazz, ballet,” the 32-year-old shared. “Then I went more of the cheerleader route, so it’s a different kind of dancing. And by the way, ballroom altogether, every little thing matters, and I think you have to fully commit from the top of your head to the tip of your toes.”

After their appearance on ABC’s long-running morning show, Spears and Bersten also shared a video of themselves in rehearsal on Instagram.

The singer-actress and Bersten are the first pair that Dancing With the Stars has announced for season 32. Previously, the show revealed that Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix will also be competing, but has not yet revealed who her pro partner is. The full cast will be revealed Wednesday (Sept. 13) on GMA.

Watch Jamie Lynn Spears’ announcement below:

Dancing With the Stars kicks off its new season Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+.

Blake Shelton Executive Produces New Sawyer Brown Documentary: Watch the Trailer

Sawyer Brown was one of the most popular country groups of the ’80s and ’90s, charting such country No. 1s as  “Step That Step,” “Some Girls Do” and “Thank God for You” — and now, it’s getting a Blake Shelton-produced documentary.

As the band turns 40, the country star looks at Sawyer Brown’s compelling story in Get Me to the Stage on Time, a documentary Shelton executive produced that examines how the group left its mark on country music, despite reservations by the genre’s gatekeepers. Shelton has long professed his love for the band, noting the first concert he ever attended was by Sawyer Brown, and among the first singles he purchased was the group’s cover of George Jones’ “The Race Is On.”

The Joel Kraus/Madison Miller-directed movie, which will debut Oct. 1 at the Nashville Film Festival in Franklin, Tenn., features interviews with Shelton, Dolly Parton, Dierks Bentley and Mac McAnally, among others. As the title suggests, it also reflects on Sawyer Brown Band’s propulsive live performances, led by frontman Mark Miller.

“It’s pretty surreal to watch your life and memories and music play out in a film, but Get Me to the Stage On Time does an amazing job of capturing what this ride has been like,” Miller says in a statement to Billboard. “I think the film shows not only what it took to get our career going, but also what it took to keep the wheels from coming off a couple of times. It also shows why it means so much to us to be where we are now, still playing shows, with new music on the horizon. It’s a look at what it means to never give up, no matter what.”

The ACM Award-winning vocal group of the year’s journey started with winning Star Search in 1983, in an era before television talent competitions such as American Idol and The Voice became commonplace launching pads for country stars such as Carrie Underwood and Scotty McCreery. Though a fan favorite renowned for its live shows, even after a slew of hits, Sawyer Brown remained a polarizing force in Nashville and at country radio with some put off by their non-traditional, colorful presence.

In the trailer — which Billboard is premiering above — the band recounts being turned down by every label in Nashville before storming the Star Search stage with its high-octane performances. Even after winning and signing with a Nashville label and experiencing multiple hits, “the industry couldn’t really figure out why are these guys still here,” says Sawyer Brown keyboardist Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard. But the audience understood as the group played up to 250 concerts a year, entertaining fans with its vastly energetic show. The documentary attempts to answer “how a band turned 15 minutes of fame into 40 years.” For Miller, it simply boils down to “when you get us in front  of a live audience, we win.” 

Following the documentary’s premiere, Sawyer Brown, who are working on a new album produced by Shelton, will perform at the Franklin Theater. Distribution plans for the film are still pending.