The New Edition Story

The New Edition Story is an engaging six-hour miniseries that aired on BET in 2017. Developed from the experiences and anecdotes of the iconic R&B group, New Edition, this dramatic biopic offers an intimate insight into the band's evolution, tumultuous relationships, and the challenges they faced in their rise to fame. It presents a riveting portrayal of the group's journey from their Boston neighbourhood beginnings to their global success, fiercely turning the pages of the 1980s and 1990s music scene.

Created by Abdul Williams, directed by Chris Robinson, and executive produced by Jesse Collins, The New Edition Story sheds light on the musical impact and influence of New Edition, one of the greatest boy bands in history. It is beautifully plotted into three parts, each roughly two hours long, and primarily focuses on the period from 1978 to 1997.

The narrative kicks off by introducing us to a young and ambitious Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Michael Bivins, Ricky Bell, and Ronnie DeVoe, who grew up in the Orchard Park Projects of Roxbury, Massachusetts. It details their humble beginnings and chronicles their challenges as the friends venture into the music industry and found the group "New Edition."

A unique aspect of The New Edition Story is that it doesn’t shy away from depicting both the ups and downs of their journey. The series accurately portrays their initial struggles to climb the music industry ladder, the joy of their first record deal, the increased fame, the internal and external conflicts, the dispute over money, their break-ups, as well as reunions.

The miniseries boasts an impressive cast, including Bryshere Y. Gray as Bivins, Elijah Kelley as Bell, Algee Smith as Tresvant, Keith Powers as DeVoe, Woody McClain as Brown, and Luke James as Johnny Gill, a later addition to the group. Each actor brilliantly exhibits a complete transition into their characters, delivering performances that vividly bring the band's story to life. The extensive involvement of the actual New Edition members in the project benefits the casting, with real-life band members often appearing in rehearsals to provide guidance and insight.

The New Edition Story prioritises authenticity, capturing the timeline of the era by paying attention to detail in fashion, language, and sets. The series boasts a quality production, and every episode is layered with a mix of laughter, drama, joy, and struggle, encapsulating the true essence of showbiz.

The music featured in the show, a blend of original and re-recorded tracks, adds an important layer by showcasing the evolution of the group's sound while serving as a nostalgic ride for the audience.

The New Edition Story is not just about the music; it also delves deeply into the personal lives of the group members. It gives the audience an understanding of what it was like for these young men growing up in harsh circumstances, how they dealt with fame at a young age, and their struggle to preserve their relationships amid increasing pressures. It looks into their transitions into adulthood, offering up human stories amidst the glitz and glamour of the musical arc.

The narrative also does not shy away from the controversial aspects of their careers. It highlights the conflicts they faced with authorities in the music industry, the exploitation they suffered, and the series of managers and record-label executives who took advantage of them. It showcases the birth of the 'boy band' phenomenon and the ruthless business side of the music industry.

With a compelling blend of exceptional performances, vintage aesthetics, and a stunning soundtrack, The New Edition Story serves as a comprehensive portrayal of New Edition's journey and their position in the grand scheme of R&B music. Far more than a simple trip down memory lane, the miniseries explores the price of fame, the complexities of friendship and business, and the inspirations and heartbreak behind the music, creating a piece of television that is both entertaining and enlightening.

In a nutshell, The New Edition Story from BET is an engaging miniseries which is bound to attract, not just New Edition fans, but anyone with an appreciation for music history, individual struggle and success, and stories of lifelong friendship and perseverance.