Netflix has just dropped the first teaser for its highly anticipated documentary chronicling the journey of New Kids on the Block (NKOTB)—the legendary boy band that defined a generation and helped shape the modern pop music landscape. Formed in the mid-1980s in Dorchester, Massachusetts, NKOTB consists of brothers Jonathan and Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood.
Titled Hangin’ Tough: The NKOTB Story, the film promises an in-depth and emotional look at the band’s meteoric rise, their cultural impact, and their enduring legacy in music and pop culture.
Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Derek Sandoval, the documentary goes beyond typical music retrospectives. It dives into the brotherhood, fame, heartbreak, reinvention, and resilience that have defined NKOTB’s more than 35-year journey.
“NKOTB wasn’t just a band—they were a movement,” Sandoval shared in a press release. “From sold-out arenas to personal setbacks, this film is about more than catchy hooks and choreographed dance moves. It’s about identity, evolution, and the bond between five young men who changed the face of pop.”
The teaser features a mix of rare behind-the-scenes footage—early rehearsal tapes, tour memories, fan encounters, and deeply personal reflections—as well as electrifying concert moments that remind viewers why NKOTB became a global phenomenon.
Donnie Wahlberg, who narrates parts of the film, reflects in one emotional segment: “We’ve been through the highest highs and some really tough lows. But through it all, we stayed together, and our fans stayed with us. That’s the real story.”
Fans have already taken to social media to express excitement. “About time NKOTB got their flowers!” one fan posted. Others praised the teaser’s heartfelt tone and nostalgic footage that brought back memories of the band’s iconic era.
Netflix has kept many details under wraps, but insiders say the documentary will explore key milestones—such as their early days with producer Maurice Starr, the release of Hangin’ Tough and Step by Step, the challenges of fame in the ’90s, their eventual hiatus, and their triumphant return in the 2000s.
The film also features interviews with family members, choreographers, collaborators, and famous fans, painting a full portrait of NKOTB’s influence—not just on music, but on a generation.
Set for a global release this fall, Hangin’ Tough: The NKOTB Story is being called a must-watch for fans of pop music and ’80s/’90s nostalgia. In an industry known for burnouts and breakups, NKOTB’s story is one of staying power, reinvention, and enduring love from fans.
As Joey McIntyre says in the closing moments of the trailer: “We never stopped believing in each other. That’s what kept us going. And now, we get to tell the whole story.”
