TV series
Popstars
Popstars is a UK talent show series that was broadcast on ITV in early 2001. It was the first UK series of the international Popstars franchise, and was billed as a documentary on the formation of a modern pop group. The series began with audition rounds of aspiring singers performing songs before a panel of judges. The best performers were selected to come to London for further rounds of auditions. Over the weeks, the judges eliminated various singers from the auditions until just a few singers were left in contention. In the final weeks, five contestants were chosen by the judges to form the new pop group Hear’Say. The programme then showed the group recording and promoting their first single, documenting their first ventures into the music industry. The first series of Popstars proved popular with audiences, and a second series followed in 2002.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Popstars premiered January 10, 2001. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Popstars is a UK talent show series that was broadcast on ITV in early 2001. It was the first UK series of the international Popstars franchise, and was billed as a documentary on the formation of a modern pop group. The series began with audition rounds of aspiring singers performing songs before a panel of judges. The best performers were selected to come to London for further rounds of auditions. Over the weeks, the judges eliminated various singers from the auditions until just a few singers were left in contention. In the final weeks, five contestants were chosen by the judges to form the new pop group Hear’Say. The programme then showed the group recording and promoting their first single, documenting their first ventures into the music industry. The first series of Popstars proved popular with audiences, and a second series followed in 2002.
Season 1 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 5
Episode 5
The Judges select the final 10 contestants on the last day of boot camp from who the band will be chosen.
Where to watch PopstarsEpisode 6
Episode 6
The Judges discuss who from the last ten should make the final five
Where to watch PopstarsEpisode 7
Episode 7
The final five to be in the band are told, with the others rejected. Each of the judges visit the contestants to tell them the news in their homes.
Where to watch PopstarsEpisode 8
Episode 8
The band move into their new shared house where they will stay for the duration of the recording and promotion of their first album. Also they travel to Norway to record their first album.
Where to watch PopstarsEpisode 12
Episode 12
The band start their promotion campaign for the release of their debut single.
Where to watch PopstarsEpisode 13
Episode 13
A live show tied in with the Top 40 chart to reveal the position of their first single
Where to watch PopstarsEpisode information updated Jul 25, 2026
Available now in United States
What to watch instead
These shows are available now and closely match Popstars.
Available nowHard Knocks
Similar story and audience
Available nowLong Way Round
Similar story and audience
Available nowSurvivorman
Similar story and audience
Available nowBeyond Belief: Fact or Fiction
Similar story and audience
Available nowDallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team
Similar story and audience
Available nowBizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern
Similar story and audience
More about Popstars
Cast
Nigel LythgoeSelf
Nicki ChapmanSelf
Darius CampbellSelf
Myleene KlassSelf
Kym MarshSelfCredits
- Created by
- Jonathan Dowling, Bill Toepfer
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Reality
- Episodes
- 13
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
ITV1United Kingdom
LWTUnited Kingdom