Netflix’s brand-new docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act finally gives the public a closer look at what the music mogul has actually been up to after stepping away from the spotlight. For long-time fans who’ve grown up with The X Factor, Pop Idol, and the Cowell era of televised talent shows, this series feels like a mix of nostalgia, curiosity, and mild chaos.
But once the final episode lands, viewers realise: this isn’t your typical documentary. It’s Simon Cowell doing what Simon Cowell does best.
So, What Is This Show Actually About?
The docuseries follows Simon Cowell as he aims to produce a brand-new global boyband from scratch. Cameras track him through open casting calls, behind-the-scenes meetings, strategy discussions, and the early creative process behind their debut single. On paper, it sounds like an intimate look into his life and career trajectory after years of quiet. In practice, the show feels like Cowell rewriting his own legacy, one carefully framed scene at a time.
The series also touches briefly on Cowell’s disappearance from TV: the failed mega-projects, the book announcements that never arrived, the accidents, the lifestyle changes, and the whispers about him stepping into early retirement. This docuseries confirms he hasn’t gone anywhere. He’s simply been preparing his next move.
Plot Overview: A Documentary That Slowly Turns Into The X Factor in Disguise
At first, the show appears to be a personal slice-of-life look at Cowell. But a few episodes in, the mask drops. This isn’t just a documentary.
It’s essentially The X Factor, re-skinned as a premium docuseries. There are auditions, bootcamp eliminations, tightly edited emotional backstories, and Cowell analysing contestant photos to decide who moves forward.
It’s familiar. Almost too familiar. Like the formula we’ve all seen for a decade, just dressed up with Netflix lighting and better cinematography.
Cowell openly admits he’s motivated, in part, by the global rise of K-pop groups. He’s fascinated by the structure and strategy, though the docuseries doesn’t go into the full complexity of that industry. Instead, it focuses on Cowell’s attempt to rebuild a Western boyband empire, chasing the magic he once had with One Direction.
Simon Cowell The Next Act Ending Explained: Happy, Sad, or Something in Between?
The ending is more bittersweet-ambiguous than outright happy or sad. The boyband does manage to reach the stage of releasing their debut single, and there’s a sense of achievement in seeing the group come together.
But the real “star” of the series remains Cowell himself, not the boys who’ve put in the work. The final scenes suggest that the project is far more about Cowell’s comeback than the group’s success.
There’s a quiet message tucked in the last episode: Cowell isn’t done yet. He’s still hungry for relevance, recognition, and a seat at the global music table. But whether this new boyband truly stands a chance out in the real world is left purposely vague.
Fans expecting a triumphant “One Direction 2.0” reveal might feel slightly deflated. Instead of a clear big win or emotional payoff, the ending leans into realism. The boys debut, Cowell steps back into the industry, and everything else remains uncertain.
How Viewers Are Reacting
The reactions online have been mixed, but lively
Some viewers love seeing Cowell back in his element and enjoy the nostalgia of talent-show style storytelling.
Others feel the docuseries focuses too much on Cowell and not enough on the actual contestants, making the show feel more like a PR rebrand than an honest documentary.
A chunk of the audience found the bait-and-switch amusing: what starts as a deep dive becomes a hidden revival of Cowell’s favourite format.
Many long-time fans say it’s refreshing to see Cowell motivated and active again.
Critics argue that the docuseries avoids deeper topics and opts for a polished, controlled narrative.
Despite differing opinions, almost everyone agrees it’s undeniably entertaining.
Overall Impression: More Entertainment Than Documentary
Simon Cowell: The Next Act is slick, watchable, and full of that classic Cowell energy. But it’s also extremely self-curated. Viewers get drama, nostalgia, and plenty of screen time with Simon, but not a raw exploration of his life or his contestants’ challenges. It’s less of a personal documentary and more of a business comeback wrapped in Netflix packaging.
Still, for fans of talent competitions and music-industry chaos, it absolutely hits the spot.
Short Review
A polished, sharp, and addictive watch. The pacing is smooth, the production is strong, and Cowell’s onscreen presence still carries the show.
While it may lack documentary depth, it delivers entertainment, personality, and an inside look at Cowell’s ongoing attempt to stay relevant in a fast-changing industry. A compelling but carefully controlled return to form.
How to Watch Simon Cowell: The Next Act on Netflix
You can stream the full docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act (2025) on Netflix. Simply search the title in the app or website, select episode one, and dive into Cowell’s latest attempt to shape the future of global pop.