How to watch 'Building the Band,' Liam Payne's last project before his death
Netflix's newest competition show is taking a musical spin on the format of "Love Is Blind."
"Building the Band," which launched July 9, brings together singers looking to form the next big band. The catch? They can't see each other.
The singers can only group together based on "musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit," according to the show's synopsis.
The episodes follow both the formation of the bands as well as the aftermath of the singers meeting each other and competing for a panel of star-studded judges.
Among the judges are Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls, Destiny's Child's Kelly Rowland and the late One Direction star Liam Payne. "Building the Band" marks Payne's final project filmed before his death in October 2024.
What is 'Building the Band' about?
"Building the Band" brings together 50 singers to form six bands without seeing each other.
The singers listen to each other perform in individual booths and decide whether they want to advance with each other in the competition.
After breaking off into bands, the groups will compete against each other and perform for a panel of judges while developing their style and choreography.
Watch 'Building the Band' trailer
'Building the Band' release dates
"Building the Band" is being released in three parts throughout July. Here's the full schedule:
- Wednesday, July 9: Episodes 1-4 (Part 1)
- Wednesday, July 16: Episodes 5-7 (Part 2)
- Wednesday, July 23: Episodes 8-10 (Part 3)
How to watch 'Building the Band'
Netflix subscribers can watch "Building the Band" starting July 9, when the first episodes drop.
The service has several monthly plans available, which start at $7.99 per month. Netflix doesn't offer free trials.
'Building the Band' judges, cast
The celebrity cast members on "Building the Band" are former stars of some of the world's most famous music groups.
AJ McLean of The Backstreet Boys hosts the show. The judging panel features Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child and the late Liam Payne of One Direction.
How does 'Building the Band' address Liam Payne's death?
In October 2024, Payne died at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"Building the Band" filmed during summer 2024, according to Netflix, marking Payne's final project before his death.
Scherzinger, Payne's fellow judge, wrote on Instagram after his death that it "was such a blessing to get to work with you recently."
At the beginning of the show's first episode, McLean acknowledges Payne's death and pays tribute to the singer.
"When we came together to film 'Building the Band,' we never imagined we'd soon be saying goodbye to our friend Liam Payne," McLean says.
He adds, "through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice. It's through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family."
Netflix's Tudum previously reported that Payne's family reviewed the series and is supportive of its release.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for Paste BN. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.