Take That, Britain’s biggest boy band, has returned to the screen with a new Netflix documentary. The film arrives two decades after their triumphant comeback and 20 years after the ITV documentary that reignited their career. While the latest project offers unseen footage and fresh reflections, it largely retells a story fans already know.
From Breakup to Resurrection
Formed in 1990, Take That—Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, and Robbie Williams—rose to fame with hits like Pray, Relight My Fire, and Everything Changes. But tensions mounted as Barlow controlled the songwriting, leaving others feeling sidelined. Williams spiraled into substance abuse and quit in 1995, triggering the band’s collapse. The 2005 ITV documentary chronicled their struggles and paved the way for a reunion. More than six million viewers tuned in, and within days, promoters offered the band a major tour. Their comeback proved wildly successful, leading to chart-topping singles, Brit Awards, and sold-out stadiums.
Netflix’s New Take
The new Netflix film uses 35 hours of unseen archive footage to revisit the band’s journey. Unlike the raw ITV documentary, which captured youthful excess and backstage confessions, this version is more polished. It focuses on professional rivalries, creative tensions, and the band’s evolution into a more equal partnership. One revelation is Jason Orange’s insistence that the group split royalties equally, inspired by U2. This move helped the band rebuild trust and unity during their 2000s revival. Barlow also admits he treated his bandmates as “lesser partners” in the 1990s, acknowledging his ambition overshadowed collaboration.
Robbie Williams’ Return
The documentary highlights the band’s reunion with Robbie Williams for the 2010 Progress album and tour. Despite initial doubts, footage shows the ease with which old friendships were rekindled. A touching moment captures Williams flashing a thumbs-up from beneath the stage as his bandmates perform Rule The World. After Progress, both Williams and Orange departed, leaving Take That as a trio. The film skips over much of the past decade, tacitly admitting that the band’s later years have been less eventful.
National Treasures
The documentary closes by affirming Take That’s enduring legacy. With a new stadium tour planned for summer 2026, the band remains a cultural institution. As Barlow once said, even if new albums flop, they can still sell out arenas. The film ends with a brand-new song, reminding audiences that Take That’s story is far from over.
