American Boyband

American Boyband is a popular reality-based television series that first debuted on Viceland in 2017. This intriguing musical docuseries takes the audience on a journey behind the scenes, documenting the trials and tribulations, as well as the successes and celebrations, of up-and-coming boyband, Brockhampton.

Brockhampton, also known as the “internet’s first boy band,” is a multifaceted group of creatives forged in the depths of an online forum, essentially making them a product of our digital age. The members of this collective are bound together by their mutual passion for music and a shared aspiration to redefine the traditional concept of a boyband. With a unique blend of rap, hip-hop and pop, and an audacious determination to continually push creative boundaries, Brockhampton is a breath of fresh air in the music landscape.

The American Boyband series adopts a candid approach, paralleling the innovative spirit of its subjects. The camera trails the band members, capturing the raw, unscripted emotions that surface as they navigate their way towards their debut tour, aptly called "All American Boyband."

Kevin Abstract, the founder and lead vocalist of Brockhampton, emerges as the central figure of the series. Viewers are given snapshot insights into Kevin’s complex backstory, witnessing poignant moments that have shaped not only his music but also his overall identity. Known for his unapologetic authenticity, and openly discussing themes of sexuality, identity, and belonging in his music, Kevin Abstract provides an irresistible charm and intriguing character depth to the series.

Beyond Abstract, American Boyband does an admirable job of shedding light on all group members, each of whom contributes to Brockhampton’s sound and image in an essential way. This is not just a narrative about a collective musical journey but also a profound exploration of individual identities, backgrounds, and aspirations within the larger story.

The series smartly uses the allure of reality television styling to delve deep into the band’s eclectic mix of personalities. From intimate conversations about their creative processes to their coping mechanisms when dealing with setbacks, the series opens up an opportunity for the audience to bond with the band members on a personal level.

American Boyband also succeeds in addressing wider social themes. It thoughtfully intersects the band’s journey with conversations on race, sexual orientation, and societal norms. It puts emphasis not just on the entertainment factor, but also on the relatability and universality of the band members' experiences, creating a meaningful dialogue that adds a deeper layer to the show.

Aside from the members of Brockhampton, the series introduces the audience to the loyal fanbase that the unique boyband has cultivated. By featuring individual fans in every episode, American Boyband demonstrates how Brockhampton's music resonates with a diverse group of people.

The show’s raw, unscripted style is both reflective of Brockhampton’s approach to their art and the internet culture that brought them together — brash but authentic, chaotic but compelling. The quality of the production seeks to mirror the band’s ambition of redefining the boy band concept. This isn’t a glossy, manufactured narrative of a boyband we are typically presented with; rather the show digs deep into the reality behind the glamour, the hard work behind the success, making it an engaging watch.

For the fans of Brockhampton, American Boyband serves as the ultimate backstage pass, unravelling the journey of their favorite musicians. For the uninitiated, it’s an enthralling introduction to a group of young, passionate individuals endeavoring to leave their mark on the music industry. Wherever you lie on the spectrum, there’s little doubt that American Boyband offers a captivating and unique insight into a fresh, groundbreaking wave in the music scene.

In sum, American Boyband is an immersive narrative about an unconventional group fused together by the power of the internet, striving to make a lasting impression on the music industry. As much as it’s a show about music, it is also a testament to friendship, dreams, challenges, and the rebellious spirit of youth.