In an era where music documentaries are redefining how we engage with pop culture history, Netflix has just delivered a major treat for fans of one of the most beloved pop groups of all time. Titled “Single Track Next Week”, this exclusive Westlife documentary has premiered globally in July 2025 and is already sending waves across social media and entertainment platforms. It’s more than just a nostalgic throwback—this film is a deep, emotionally resonant, and honest look into the past, present, and possible future of Ireland’s most successful boy band.
Let’s dive into why this documentary is already being hailed as a must-watch and what makes it a standout among Netflix’s 2025 documentary lineup.
Westlife, formed in 1998, became a sensation almost overnight. With soaring ballads like “Flying Without Wings,” “My Love,” and “You Raise Me Up,” the group cemented its legacy as one of the best-selling boy bands in the world. But the story told in Single Track Next Week goes beyond record-breaking chart success and arena tours.
The documentary explores the band’s humble beginnings in Sligo, Ireland, the strategic guidance of Simon Cowell, and the relentless dedication that kept them relevant across three decades of shifting musical trends.
At first glance, the title might sound like a cryptic marketing phrase or even a casual joke from a press release. But in the documentary, “Single Track Next Week” is revealed to be a recurring inside joke among the band members and their production team. It was a phrase often said to calm nerves and keep hope alive during uncertain times—especially when success wasn’t guaranteed. “Don’t worry, there’s a single track next week,” became a mantra for persistence.
This phrase becomes symbolic of Westlife’s entire journey—pushing forward, even when the industry changed, critics doubted, or members struggled with fame and identity.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Aoife McArdle, Single Track Next Week combines cinematic visuals, archival footage, and fresh interviews with all four current members—Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, and Mark Feehily. Notably, it also includes contributions from Brian McFadden, the original fifth member, who left the band in 2004. This marks the first time all five have appeared in a project together in over 20 years.
Here’s what you’ll find in the documentary:
- Unseen archival footage from their early tours and studio recordings
- Candid reflections on fame, burnout, personal struggles, and reconciliation
- Insight into the 2020s reunion, their creative rebirth, and navigating a digital-first music landscape
- Intimate behind-the-scenes moments from their 2024-2025 world tour, “Gravity & Grace”
- Fan stories from across the globe that highlight Westlife’s enduring legacy
Accompanying the documentary is a powerful new single, also titled “Single Track Next Week,” written collaboratively by the band and new-gen pop songwriter Mae Muller. The song blends Westlife’s signature harmonies with a more mature, cinematic pop sound. It dropped on Spotify and Apple Music on the same day as the documentary and has already charted in Ireland, the UK, and the Philippines—a testament to the band’s enduring cross-generational appeal.
Netflix has also announced that a full soundtrack album, featuring live versions of old hits, acoustic renditions, and new material recorded during filming, will be released later this month.
The fan response has been nothing short of explosive. Twitter/X trends in the UK and Southeast Asia were dominated by hashtags like #SingleTrackNextWeek, #WestlifeNetflix, and #WestlifeForever within hours of release. Longtime fans expressed tears, laughter, and deep appreciation for the band’s honesty and resilience.
Critics have praised the documentary for its storytelling and emotional depth. The Guardian called it “a surprisingly raw and moving portrait of fame and friendship.” Rolling Stone UK gave it four stars, noting how it “reclaims Westlife’s legacy with tenderness and clarity.”
The documentary ends on a hopeful note—with hints at new music, more tours, and a continued evolution. In one standout scene, Mark Feehily remarks, “We’re not done. We never said we were done. Maybe we’re just on the next track.”
And that’s the spirit of Westlife in 2025: still harmonizing, still reaching new heights, and still telling a story that resonates deeply across borders and generations.
If you’ve ever belted out “Swear It Again” at the top of your lungs, cried to “Fool Again,” or followed the band through their various breakups and reunions, “Single Track Next Week” is not just a documentary—it’s a homecoming.
Whether you’re a lifelong Westlife fan or just discovering their music for the first time, this Netflix exclusive is one of the most heartfelt and engaging music documentaries of the year. Don’t miss it.
Now streaming on Netflix worldwide.
