Louis Theroux to Lead New Netflix Documentary on Adolescence after 27 Years at BBC

Louis Theroux could be set to ‘front a new Adolescence-inspired documentary for Netflix,’ according to reports published on Thursday.

The documentary maker, 55, has worked for the BBC for 27 years and although he has made shows for other channels, he presents exclusively for the broadcaster. 

It is claimed the new move could see him move away from the BBC as he begins to present series for other platforms. 

The documentary is set to explore online misogyny, toxic masculinity and the impact this has on young boys. 

Netflix’s Adolescence, which was created by and starred Stephen Graham, centres on 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is accused of murdering a schoolgirl with Stephen playing the boy’s father. 

It reached 24.3million views in just the first four days of its release – and has been praised for highlighting the online radicalisation of young men and boys. 

Following its success, The Sun claims Louis is set to make and front the new Netflix project. 

A source told the publication: ‘Louis is famous for starting out on the BBC with his Weird Weekends show and has stayed with them ever since.

‘Even though he started making shows for other channels and streamers, he never fronted them – that was reserved for the Beeb.

‘He did two celebrity interview series for them in 2022 and 2023, but ended that after just two series to focus on other projects.’ 

Daily Mail has contacted Louis Theroux’s representative and the BBC for comment. 

Elsewhere, the BBC has finally revealed its star-studded cast for its new docuseries, Girlbands Forever, which is made by Louis’s company Mindhouse. 

It’s time for the boybands to move over as hot off the heels of hit series Boyband Forever, the BBC is turning the spotlight to the queens of British pop. 

Airing later this year on BBC Two and iPlayer, the three-part series will deep dive into the rise, and sometimes the fall, of the UK’s most iconic girl groups. 

Investigating the fame, drama and glamour that comes with being part of a girl band, six famous faces will spill all on what went on behind the scenes. 

Little Mix star Perrie Edwards, All Saints singer Melanie Blatt and Atomic Kitten’s Kerry Katona and Heidi Range are all set to star in the new series. 

They will be joined by Eternal singer Kelle Bryan and Misteeq’s Su-Elise Nash.

Speaking on the new project, documentary maker Louis said: ‘I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of making this wonderful series. 

‘I well remember when the Spice Girls, Eternal and All Saints burst on the scene in the 90s. 

‘It was a special time in pop music and British culture. Going back and rediscovering that music and those interviews has been an absolute pleasure.’

It’s not all glitz and glam, with the series also set to explore the real cost of fame, the pressures of being young, female and constantly in the spotlight. 

Louis added: ‘There was pain behind the music, but mainly we wanted this to be a celebration of a time of very special music and talent.’

As well as the girlband members themselves, the show will feature insights from pop industry legends including Pete Waterman, MNEK, Tulisa and Nicki Chapman. 

Pete Tong, Scott Mills, Clara Amfo, Lucie Cave, Andy McCluskey and Darcus Beese OBE will all feature as talking heads in the series.