Noah Kahan, the singer-songwriter from Strafford, Vermont, has been riding a wave of acclaim and creative energy since his 2022 breakout hit "Stick Season." Now, in early 2026, the story of his rapid ascent—and the deeply personal journey that accompanied it—is set to reach an even wider audience. Netflix has acquired the rights to a new documentary film about Kahan, promising an intimate look at the man behind the music, his struggles, and his search for balance amid the whirlwind of fame.
For Kahan, the last few years have been nothing short of transformative. When "Stick Season" dropped in 2022, it was praised as "bitingly honest," with critics and fans alike noting how the album laid bare Kahan's struggles with mental health and the pressures of self-discovery. The album struck a chord, catapulting him onto sold-out tours and into the national spotlight. But as the crowds grew, so did the pressure—and the need to reconnect with his roots.
The upcoming documentary, which was first announced in the summer of 2025, picks up at this crucial juncture. According to WCAX, the film follows Kahan in the wake of his breakout success, capturing his return to Vermont and the embrace of family and familiarity. It was during this period that Kahan found himself, as director Nick Sweeney put it, "in a strange in-between moment, caught in the collision between almost surreal fame and a quieter inner world he’d tried to keep offstage." Sweeney added, "What we captured over the course of a year surprised me."
Filming began as Kahan was wrapping up a year of sold-out performances—a period that, by all accounts, should have been exhilarating. Instead, it was marked by introspection and a search for meaning beyond the applause. The documentary, as described by Variety, chronicles Kahan's effort to find a sense of home and creative inspiration while confronting the deeply personal struggles that had left him feeling out of sync with himself.
Returning to Vermont, Kahan leaned on his family and the familiar rhythms of his hometown. The film reportedly captures this homecoming in vivid detail, offering viewers a rare glimpse of the artist away from the stage lights. As he navigates the tension between public adulation and private vulnerability, Kahan's signature wit and candor shine through. The documentary promises to be as "bitingly honest" as the music that made him a star.
But the story doesn't end with reflection. In fact, Kahan has continued to evolve, pushing his artistry in new directions. On January 30, 2026, he released a new single, "The Great Divide," giving fans a taste of what's to come. The single is the first from his upcoming album of the same name, slated for release in spring 2026. Announcing the track on Instagram, Kahan offered a snippet of lyrics: "I hope you settle down, I hope you marry rich." The line, delivered with his trademark blend of humor and poignancy, has already sparked anticipation among his devoted following.
The documentary will not only chart Kahan's rise to fame but also document the making of "The Great Divide." According to Vermont Public, the film captures the creative process behind the album, delving into the challenges and triumphs that shaped its sound. For Kahan, the new music represents both a continuation and a departure—a chance to build on the raw honesty of "Stick Season" while exploring new themes and sonic landscapes.
Director Nick Sweeney, known for his ability to find the human story within larger-than-life subjects, spent a full year filming Kahan. The result, he says, is a portrait of an artist at a crossroads, grappling with the demands of celebrity while trying to preserve his sense of self. Sweeney's own words, as quoted by WCAX: "He was in a strange in-between moment, caught in the collision between almost surreal fame and a quieter inner world he’d tried to keep offstage. What we captured over the course of a year surprised me."
Netflix, which acquired the documentary earlier this year, has yet to announce an official release date. However, the streaming giant's involvement all but guarantees a wide audience for the film, which is expected to premiere later in 2026. Fans and newcomers alike will have the opportunity to witness Kahan's journey from the green hills of Vermont to the heights of musical stardom—and back again.
The anticipation surrounding both the documentary and the new album is palpable. Kahan's willingness to share his vulnerabilities, both in song and on screen, has endeared him to listeners who see their own struggles reflected in his lyrics. As Variety noted, "Stick Season" was notable not just for its melodic hooks, but for its unflinching honesty about mental health and the search for identity. The new film and album promise to build on that legacy, offering fresh insight into the challenges and rewards of artistic self-discovery.
For the town of Strafford, Vermont, Kahan's success is a point of pride. Locals remember him as the kid with a guitar and big dreams—dreams that, against the odds, have come true. Yet, as the documentary reveals, the path to fulfillment is rarely straightforward. Fame brings its own set of challenges, and the journey home can be as complicated as any tour.
As 2026 unfolds, all eyes are on Kahan. Will "The Great Divide" match the impact of "Stick Season"? Can the documentary capture the full complexity of his experience? Only time will tell. What is certain is that Kahan's story—equal parts triumph and vulnerability—continues to resonate. In a world hungry for authenticity, his voice rings out, clear and true.
With a new album on the horizon and a Netflix documentary set to premiere, Noah Kahan stands at another crossroads. His journey, marked by honesty and a relentless pursuit of meaning, offers a reminder that the search for home—whether literal or metaphorical—is one that never truly ends.