Ex-One Direction: Tomlinson and Malik film US road trip docuseries for Netflix in 2026
Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, former One Direction members, announced a three-episode documentary series for Netflix. The project, formatted as a road trip across the United States, takes place nearly a year after the death of their former bandmate Liam Payne. The initiative aims to capture the artists’ reconnection during spontaneous travels.
The series, directed by Nicola Marsh, known for documentaries like Child Star about Demi Lovato, captures moments of exploration and conversations about personal life. Payne passed away in October 2024, at age 31, after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The episode addresses themes like loss and fatherhood, according to the singers’ representatives.
The production involves Campfire Studios, known for projects like Smartless: On the Road. Filming has begun, with the artists spotted together in places like Nashville.
Formation and global success of One Direction
One Direction was formed in 2010 during the seventh season of The X Factor in the UK. Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger brought together Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Liam Payne as a group.
The quintet released five studio albums and sold over 70 million records worldwide. Hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life” drove record-breaking tours.
The band paused activities in 2016 after Malik left the group in 2015.
Details of the series’ production
Netflix plans to launch the docuseries in 2026, with no exact date disclosed. Ross Dinerstein and Rebecca Evans from Campfire Studios serve as executive producers.
Marsh, the director, focuses on intimate narratives, as seen in Song Exploder. Filming involves road trips across American routes, starting with Malik, a Pennsylvania resident.
The format allows open discussions about solo careers and family. No other former One Direction members are involved.
Tomlinson and Malik’s solo careers
Louis Tomlinson released his third studio album, Faith in the Future, in 2022 and is preparing a tour for 2026. He describes his music as honest and constantly evolving.
Zayn Malik, performing as Zayn, released Room Under the Stairs in 2024. The singer is scheduling a Las Vegas residency for January 2026 at Dolby Live at Park MGM.
Both prioritize privacy, but the series offers rare glimpses. – Malik completed the Stairway to the Sky tour in 2024, with shows in London and Manchester.
- Tomlinson attended Malik’s show in Los Angeles in January 2025.
Context of Liam Payne’s death
Liam Payne died on October 16, 2024, in Buenos Aires. The autopsy confirmed causes related to the fall, with the investigation concluded in November 2024.
Former bandmates paid public tributes. Malik called Payne a “brother” during a stage tribute, while Tomlinson described him as a vital part of the band.
The funeral reunited Styles, Horan, Malik, and Tomlinson for the first time since the hiatus. The series addresses grief without sensationalism, integrating reflections during the trip.
Expectations among fans and industry
One Direction fans, known as Directioners, have shown excitement on social media since the announcement on October 2, 2025. The project draws attention for reviving band ties.
The industry sees the docuseries as a bridge between pop legacy and personal content. Netflix bets on authentic narratives to engage global audiences.
The series reinforces the boy band’s enduring appeal, with over 15 years of cultural influence.
Carolina Costa é colaboradora da redação do Mix Vale, portal de notícias com cobertura de Brasil e mundo. Produz conteúdo nas editorias de economia e benefícios, com foco em informação de serviço para o leitor brasileiro. Escreve para o portal desde 2019. Formação: Administração
