The phenomenal documentary series Behind the Music is back on air as a complete reboot on Paramount+.

The streaming service first planned to bring out a spin-off as MTV's Behind the Music: The Top 40, featuring 40 all-time most prominent artists. But they made a full reboot, eventually.

The new season will lean heavily into pop and hip-hop, as clear from the announced eight episodes and release dates. However, the only rock artist to feature in the reboot is the American singer-songwriter Bret Michaels. 

On July 29, 2021, the show's first two episodes will air and feature Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin and American rapper James Todd Smith, known famously as LL Cool J. 

The third episode, set to air on August 5, 2021, will be about 'The Power of Love' singer Huey Lewis whereas the fourth will narrate the story of American rapper Busta Rhymes on August 12, 2021. 

Likewise, the musical bands Duran Duran and New Kids on the Block will share their never-known behind-the-scenes experience on the fifth and sixth episodes, which will be televised on August 19 and August 26, respectively. 

Michaels will star on the seventh episode, and Fat Joe, real name Joseph Antonio Cartagena, will tell his story on the eighth installment of the series. 

'Behind the Music' Origin

Behind the Music became a phenomenal program in bringing forth the real-life struggles and successes of the legendary singers and bands since its premiere on August 17, 1997.

Gay Rosenthal created the show and held the title of executive producer to shed light on prominent musicians' real lives and careers. Originally aired on VH1, the series ran until its 15th season in 2014. 

In its decade-long tenure, the documentary featured musical heavyweights, including Snoop Dogg, Alan Freed, Lionel Richie, Bonnie Raitt, Adam Lambert, Madonna, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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It also brought forth the stories of highly praised bands such as Metallica, AC/DC, Bad Company, Quiet Riot, Black Crowes, and Blondie.

After its fifteenth season, multiple spin-offs were created. KISS: Beyond the Makeup and Behind the Music 2 were short-lived revised shows. 

Likewise, VH1 Classic aired Behind the Music: Remastered in 2010, updating the original contents with fresh interviews and footage. The show ran for four seasons and ended on April 27, 2013.

'Behind the Music' Podcast

Without a doubt, Behind the Music is coming back with a double bang. Not only is it getting a complete reboot but also an eponymous podcast, an audio-only repeat.

As per Variety, MTV will launch the podcast with selected best episodes of the classic series, and the podcast would be available on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.

Premiering on July 29, 2021, the podcast will be a weekly routine. It will feature the updated and remastered audio version of Dr. Dre and Ice Cube for its first episodes.

The following episodes will feature Michaels, Courtney Love, DJ Khaled, Toni Braxton, Usher, Guns N’ Roses, Madonna, and so on.