Behind the Music (1997)
The landmark VH1 documentary series that gave music's greatest artists a chance to tell their own unfiltered stories.
Behind the Music - Series Information
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Created by: Gay Rosenthal
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Documentary
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 230
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 17, 1997 (United States - NR), August 17, 1997 (Germany - 18), August 17, 1997 (France - 18), August 17, 1997 (Brazil - 18), August 17, 1997 (Mexico - C), August 17, 1997 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: VH1
- Production Companies: Gay Rosenthal Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, United States of America
Behind the Music - Plot
An intimate look into the personal lives of pop music's greatest and most influential artists.
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Behind the Music - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Gay Rosenthal
Main Cast
- Jim Forbes
- Elton John
- Arlo Guthrie
- Lou Adler
- Glen Campbell
- Lindsey Buckingham
- Stevie Nicks
- Sheryl Crow
- Ozzy Osbourne
- Jack Osbourne
Writers
- Gay Rosenthal
Behind the Music - FAQs
What is Behind the Music about?
Behind the Music is a VH1 documentary series that pulls back the curtain on the lives of pop music's most iconic artists. Each episode dives deep into a musician's rise to fame, personal struggles, and lasting legacy, blending archival footage with candid interviews to tell compelling, unfiltered stories.
Where can you stream Behind the Music?
Behind the Music is available to stream on fuboTV, Paramount+ via Amazon Channel, and Paramount+ via Roku Premium Channel. All three options offer the series as part of a flat-rate subscription, so no additional rental or purchase fees are required.
How many episodes does Behind the Music have?
The series ran for a remarkable 230 episodes across its single-season format on VH1. Spanning from 1997 to 2014, it profiled an enormous range of artists — from classic rock legends to pop superstars — making it one of the most prolific music documentary series ever produced.
Which artists were featured on Behind the Music?
The series featured an extraordinary roster of music legends, including Elton John, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Sheryl Crow, Ozzy Osbourne, Glen Campbell, and Arlo Guthrie. Over its 17-year run, it profiled hundreds of artists spanning rock, pop, country, and beyond.
When did Behind the Music first air?
Behind the Music premiered on August 17, 1997, on VH1. It quickly became one of the network's signature programs, running for nearly two decades before concluding in 2014. Its long run reflects just how deeply it resonated with music fans and casual viewers alike.
Is Behind the Music worth watching for music fans?
Absolutely. Behind the Music set the gold standard for music biography television. Its combination of rare archival footage, honest personal interviews, and dramatic storytelling made each episode feel like a genuine revelation. Whether you're a die-hard fan of a featured artist or simply love music history, there's something compelling in nearly every episode.
Who created Behind the Music?
Behind the Music was created by Gay Rosenthal, who also served as a writer on the series through her production company, Gay Rosenthal Productions. Her vision of offering intimate, unfiltered access to music's biggest names defined the show's distinctive tone and earned it a lasting place in television history.
What is the content rating for Behind the Music?
Behind the Music carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, reflecting its frank discussions of drug use, personal trauma, relationship breakdowns, and other mature themes. The rating signals that the series is best suited for viewers aged 14 and older, though parental guidance is always encouraged for younger audiences.
More About Behind the Music
Explore further details about Behind the Music on these authoritative resources.