Music documentaries

BBC Select takes a deep dive into the hearts and minds and into the sometimes controversial lives of famous musicians. Watch BBC music documentaries on BBC Select in the US and Canada.

Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop

Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop

Johnny Kitagawa’s legendary talent agency trained young boys to become superstars. But for over 50 years, Japan has kept Kitagawa’s dark secret. A history of sexual abuse allegations. Even after Kitagawa’s death in 2019, the media remained largely silent. Why? This disturbing documentary explores the suffocating reality of being a J-pop idol and the brutal consequences of turning a blind eye.

Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop

Predator: The Secret Scandal of J-Pop

Johnny Kitagawa’s legendary talent agency trained young boys to become superstars. But for over 50 years, Japan has kept Kitagawa’s dark secret. A history of sexual abuse allegations. Even after Kitagawa’s death in 2019, the media remained largely silent. Why? This disturbing documentary explores the suffocating reality of being a J-pop idol and the brutal consequences of turning a blind eye.

Daft Punk: Unchained

Daft Punk

With 12 million albums sold worldwide and seven Grammy awards, mysterious French duo Daft Punk are a culture phenomenon. Throughout their career, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo have always resisted compromise while remaining virtually anonymous. This compelling Daft Punk documentary film from the BBC and Canal+ tracks the incredible career of the dance music pioneers and includes contributions from their collaborators including Pharrell Williams, Giorgio Moroder, Nile Rodgers and Michel Gondry.

Roberta Flack: Killing Me Softly

Image of Roberta Flack in Sepia tone

The astonishing story of one of the biggest music stars of the 1970s: Roberta Flack.

This is the story of a different kind of soul singer, set against the backdrop of America’s Civil Rights movement. In the early 1970s Roberta Flack was one of the most successful pop stars in the world, with hits such as Killing Me Softly. But, as this fascinating music documentary reveals, Flack was no overnight sensation. Her story is one of struggle, rejection, and controversy.

Roberta Flack: Killing Me Softly

Image of Roberta Flack in Sepia tone

The astonishing story of one of the biggest music stars of the 1970s: Roberta Flack.

This is the story of a different kind of soul singer, set against the backdrop of America’s Civil Rights movement. In the early 1970s Roberta Flack was one of the most successful pop stars in the world, with hits such as Killing Me Softly. But, as this fascinating music documentary reveals, Flack was no overnight sensation. Her story is one of struggle, rejection, and controversy.