The news of Take That’s initial split in 1996 felt, for eight-year-old me, like a profound loss – my first real encounter with grief. It was a harsh lesson in impermanence, the realization that things we cherish don’t always last. Even now, watching footage of Gary Barlow’s voice cracking as he announced the band’s end, that childhood ache resurfaces with startling clarity.
Twenty years later, in 2004, Take That unexpectedly reunited for an ITV documentary, a tentative step towards healing and reflection. Few groups have navigated the complexities of fame, fracture, and renewal with such enduring impact, resurrecting the dreams of millions and exceeding all expectations.
Their journey since has been remarkable: stadium tours, five more number-one albums, and even the improbable return of Robbie Williams, a star who once openly criticized Gary Barlow and achieved phenomenal solo success. The band has evolved through various formations – as a four, then a five-piece – and now continues as a trio, a testament to their resilience.
A new three-part documentary on a streaming platform delves into this extraordinary story, charting one of the most turbulent and captivating careers in pop music history. It stands in stark contrast to other recent celebrity documentaries, offering a level of honesty rarely seen.
Where other series felt carefully curated, this documentary thrives on vulnerability. Take That’s history has been so openly documented by the band themselves that they can now confront their darkest moments with remarkable transparency. Gary Barlow, in particular, acknowledges past missteps, from perceived slights against Robbie Williams to disagreements over financial matters.
“When I joined the band, I didn’t really need anyone,” Gary admits, revealing the dynamic that shaped the group’s early years. The band was built around his talent, a fact he never forgot, and one that created inherent tensions.
The documentary focuses on the perspectives of the current lineup, viewed through the lens of 2026. Robbie Williams, having shared his story in his own documentary and a surreal biopic, is notably absent. His voice isn’t needed to tell this story.
The absence of Jason Orange, however, is keenly felt. He left the band after their final performance with Robbie and has since maintained complete silence, even severing contact with his former bandmates. While the remaining members acknowledge his departure, they frustratingly offer no new insight into his reasons for leaving.
Despite this omission, the documentary remains compelling. It revisits familiar narratives with never-before-seen footage, offering a deeply affecting experience as the band members confront their past and take accountability for their actions, decades later.
The documentary unfolds in three distinct chapters. The first chronicles the band’s meteoric rise, alongside their complex relationship with manager Nigel Martin-Smith, who recognized Gary’s songwriting talent and built the group around him. He understood Gary wasn’t ready for a solo career.
Nigel strategically sexualized their image and cultivated an early fanbase within gay clubs, a pivotal moment in their trajectory. It became clear that for Gary, Take That was a stepping stone, while for the others, it represented their ultimate destination.
The second chapter centers on Robbie’s departure and the ensuing fallout – a public feud fueled by tabloid headlines, as Robbie mocked their music while achieving unprecedented solo success. Meanwhile, Gary, Mark, Howard, and Jason faced industry rejection, forced to watch Robbie tie The Beatles’ record for the most UK number-one albums.
The final chapter, however, is a story of remarkable triumph, a comeback that defied expectations and remains largely uncelebrated. After selling out arenas in 2005, Take That surprised themselves by releasing new music, revitalizing their fanbase and earning a newfound level of critical respect.
They’ve become one of the most successful touring acts of the 21st century, continuing to release compelling music. Take That’s success isn’t simply a product of manufactured pop; it’s a testament to the power of individual voices, finding their place within a collective, and mutual support.
Ultimately, the story of Take That is a powerful exploration of forgiveness – of others, and of oneself. It’s a story of hindsight, humility, and the gradual erosion of ego, capturing the essence of what it means to be human: to grow older with regret, resilience, and grace, offering fresh perspectives and anecdotes for devoted fans.
