Netflix has reportedly canceled "Building the Band," the music competition series fronted by the late Liam Payne, after just one season. Insiders claim the show, which aimed to launch new music groups, will not be recommissioned, despite the success of its finalist acts.
The series, which premiered last year, marked one of Payne's final television projects before his death in October 2024 at the age of 31. "Although there are currently no plans for a second season of Building The Band, bosses at Netflix are really proud of what they achieved," an insider told The Sun. The show is credited with creating four new groups: 3quency, SZN4, Soulidified, and Midnight Til Morning. These groups have since released original music, toured internationally, and collectively attract hundreds of thousands of listeners monthly. Midnight Til Morning is scheduled to perform at BST Hyde Park later this month.
"Building the Band" challenged 50 singers to form groups based on vocal chemistry, progressing through a series of performances. The winning act was intended to receive a global platform through Netflix. The show was filmed in Manchester months before Payne's death. He served as a mentor alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, with AJ McLean hosting the contest.
Netflix delayed the show's release until it received approval from Payne's family, dedicating the series to him. His parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, gave their consent, stating they felt "this is how we want everyone to remember Liam." Nicole Scherzinger noted the sensitivity surrounding the process, emphasizing their respect for the family's wishes and their involvement during filming.
Recently, probate documents revealed that Payne's eight-year-old son, Bear, will inherit his estimated £21 million fortune. As Payne died intestate, his entire estate passes to his only child under UK probate rules. Cheryl Tweedy, Bear's mother, and Richard Bray, a music industry lawyer, have been named administrators of the estate.