Producers Discuss 'Building the Band' Season 2 and Liam Payne's Impact

The producers of the Netflix reality series 'Building the Band' recently expressed their hopes for a second season while reflecting on the legacy of guest judge Liam Payne, who passed away in October 2024 at the age of 31. The show, which features 50 musicians forming six bands without ever meeting, quickly gained popularity, ranking among Netflix's top 10 global shows after its debut on July 9, 2025. The celebrity panel includes notable figures such as Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland, and host A.J. Tracey.

Executive producer Alison Holloway shared insights about Payne's involvement in the show, highlighting his professionalism and genuine connection with the contestants. "Liam was conscientious, gracious, and at times nervous, wanting to get it right for the bands," Holloway stated. "He saw his own experience up there on our stage and felt he could give real advice based on where he had come from." The decision to retain Payne's participation in the show was made in consultation with his grieving family, who supported the idea of allowing his legacy to continue through the show.

Managing Director of Remarkable Entertainment, Cat Lawson, echoed Holloway's sentiments, emphasizing how Payne became a cherished member of the production team. "He was early, professional, and joyful, loving being with the crew and the contestants," Lawson remarked. She further noted that extra care was taken to ensure that Payne’s joy was reflected on screen, reinforcing the team’s commitment to honoring his memory.

The show itself arose from a brainstorming session between Lawson and Simon Crossley, Remarkable's director of development, who aimed to innovate within the singing competition genre. Holloway explained, "The premise of making contestants form bands without seeing each other focused on chemistry over appearance, which proved to be magical." The producers aim to highlight the authenticity and connection among contestants, setting 'Building the Band' apart from other talent shows.

As the first season concluded with girl group 3Quency being named winners, the final episode included a heartfelt tribute to Payne. Holloway recounted how the cast and crew were in disbelief over his untimely death while recognizing the series as a potential legacy for the artist.

In pursuit of a second season, Lawson mentioned that the first season has laid the groundwork for the young stars to release singles, with a new music release expected in August. Both producers are optimistic about the potential for these bands to embark on tours in the future, as they have already begun to cultivate fan communities on social media. Holloway noted that they have a promising new singer for the next season, hinting at an exciting future for 'Building the Band'.

All episodes of 'Building the Band' are currently available for streaming on Netflix, and the producers believe that the passion and investment shown by the celebrity judges are resonating with viewers, paving the way for a bright future for both the show and its contestants.