Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tragedy, exploitation in Cowell's boy band reality series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Simon Cowell: The Next Act
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SIMON COWELL: THE NEXT ACT, Cowell sets out to build Europe's next boy band from scratch via live try-outs followed by an extended competition amongst the top 16 contestants. Along with his search, the series touches on Cowell's personal history and evolution, from his music empire to his family life, while also confronting the dark side of fame following the tragic death of a star he helped launch, Liam Payne.
Is It Any Good?
There's no denying the emotional weight of Liam Payne's tragic death in the middle of taping, or the rare access to Simon Cowell's home life, makes the show compelling. But while the timing of Simon Cowell: The Next Act sets the series up to be an industry reckoning, it chooses instead to turn a blind eye and proceed as usual. Despite acknowledging the risks of young fame, there's no meaningful shift in the process or any new safeguards put into place for the young men involved. In the end, the series is more interesting not as a music competition, but as a window into Cowell's narcism and immorality in the pursuit of limitless wealth and fame.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether enough safeguards are in place to protect young artists' emotional, mental, and financial well-being. How does that compare to how producers protect their own interests?
Discuss how competition shows can be exciting and motivating, but also exploitative. Talk about where the line is between pursuing a dream and being used for ratings or profit.
How do people in the show deal with criticism, rejection, and perseverance?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 10, 2025
- Cast : Simon Cowell
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 16, 2025
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