Take That Documentary Reveals Band’s Tumultuous Journey

For more than three decades, Take That has been a British pop phenomenon, captivating millions with their chart-topping hits and stadium-filling tours. But behind the infectious choruses and synchronized dance moves, the story of Take That is one of ambition, rivalry, vulnerability, and resilience—now brought vividly to life in a new Netflix documentary that’s got fans and critics talking.

Last week, the band surprised an audience at a special screening of the documentary in London, performing classics like "Back for Good" and "Shine" at the Battersea Power Station. According to HELLO!, the event was a nostalgic affair, complete with 1990s-themed decorations and a re-creation of a teenage fan’s bedroom. Celebrity guests mingled with fans, and the excitement was palpable. As Mark Owen made his way into the crowd during "Shine," he was swept into a heartfelt hug by an ecstatic fan, underscoring the enduring connection between Take That and their devoted followers.

The documentary, simply titled Take That, traces the band’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Manchester in 1989 to international superstardom, their dramatic split, and their remarkable comebacks. Drawing from 35 hours of previously unseen footage, the series offers an unvarnished look at the highs and lows that have defined the group.

One of the most poignant revelations comes from Robbie Williams, the "Angels" hitmaker, who opens up about his struggle to find his place within the band. As reported by People, Williams recalled feeling like a "backing dancer"—a sentiment that grew over time as he tried, unsuccessfully, to contribute more to the band’s songwriting. "You don't realize you're a backing dancer until a few years. [You're like], 'Hang on, I didn't sign up for that,'" Williams reflected in the documentary.

At the heart of this creative tension was Gary Barlow, the band’s frontman and primary songwriter. Barlow, now 55, admitted to jealously guarding his role. "I just don't [let others write]," he explained in the series. "I wanted to deliver, for everyone," referencing the pressures from record labels and management. Williams would often call Barlow with song ideas, but Barlow would dismiss them, saying, "I've got the formula. I know what we're doing. I know what we're doing next." Barlow candidly confessed, "Out of everyone, [Robbie] was the one who was trying to lyrically do stuff and come up with stuff a lot, but no I never encouraged it." He also acknowledged feeling "above everybody else, musically," a mindset that inevitably led to friction.

These creative differences, coupled with Williams’ personal battles with addiction and mental illness, culminated in his departure from the band in 1996. He returned briefly in 2010 after reconciling with his bandmates but left again in 2011 to focus on his solo career. The documentary doesn’t shy away from these turbulent years, instead using them to illuminate the pressures faced by young stars thrust into the global spotlight.

But the story of Take That is as much about perseverance as it is about conflict. After the band’s initial split, the remaining members—Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, and Jason Orange—reunited in 2005 following a highly successful ITV documentary that drew six million viewers. This reunion sparked a second wave of success, including a 2006 tour and their ninth UK No.1 single, "Patience." As Barlow reflected in the Netflix series, "I wanted to walk out on stage again. I wanted to sing again. I wanted that audience again. I was desperate for it all, but wanted it to be right for us all. I wanted it to feel good for everyone. And I suppose that was new, because I didn't really care about anybody else in the Nineties."

Yet, the band’s journey has not been without further heartbreak. Jason Orange, a founding member, sat the group down in 2014 and announced his decision to leave. Howard Donald recalled the moment: "Jason sat us all down and said: 'Listen, I don't want to be in the band any more. I think I'm done.' It was really sad because Jason felt like one of my best friends. It was a scary time, because I almost felt as though I was going back to 1996 again. It was a very uncomfortable feeling. I didn't really know where to turn." Despite these setbacks, Barlow, Donald, and Owen pressed on, releasing the albums III and Wonderland as a trio.

Take That’s roots stretch back even further than their first chart hit. The Netflix documentary reveals that Gary Barlow’s very first public performance took place at Connah’s Quay Labour Club in Flintshire, north Wales, when he was just 11 years old—over 40 years ago. According to the BBC, club treasurer Susan Jones only discovered the venue’s cameo in the documentary through social media. "It's really exciting, it's quite a good feeling [that] we've had a superstar here," she said. Some staff members still remember a young Barlow playing the organ, and local super fan Yvette Clark, who has seen Take That perform 15 times, recently visited the club herself. "It was your proper traditional social club," she recalled. "And you could just see Gary Barlow on that stage singing. It was like, 'Oh my God, you can just see him as this little kid trying to pave his way.'"

Since those early days, Take That has become one of the UK’s most successful pop groups, selling more than 45 million records worldwide, achieving 28 UK Top 40 singles, nine number one albums, 12 number one singles, and completing 13 tours. Their journey included a 10-year hiatus between 1996 and 2006, but the band’s resilience has remained a constant theme.

Now, in 2026, Take That is preparing for another milestone: a UK and Ireland stadium tour this summer and the release of their tenth studio album. As Howard Donald put it in late January, "We're not young whippersnappers any more. But we're still out there selling tickets, and we're hungry." The band’s ability to adapt, evolve, and endure has kept them relevant and beloved by fans spanning generations.

For those who want to relive the magic—or discover it for the first time—the Take That documentary is available now on Netflix, offering an intimate, unfiltered look at the group’s journey from local clubs to global stardom. It’s a testament to the power of ambition, friendship, and the music that’s defined an era.