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Liam Payne has been praised for his contribution to Netflix's Building The Band as critics took aim at the show's overall production.
The series, filmed before the tragic passing of the One Direction singer in October 2024, lands on the streaming giant's platform from July 9 in a staggered release.
Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean hosts the programme, with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger as the main mentor and judge, being joined by Liam and Kelly Rowland throughout the process.
Stripped across 10 episodes, a group of singers are catapulted into each other's lives as they attempt to create their own bands - all by themselves.
The format sees the artists perform in special pods that allows other contestants to hear their sound, and ultimately decide if they want them in their band.
In one review by the Telegraph, they brand Liam Payne 'the best thing in this insincere singing contest'.
Liam Payne has been praised for his contribution to Netflix 's Building The Band as critics took aim at the show's overall production
The series, filmed before the tragic passing of the One Direction singer in October 2024, lands on the streaming giant's platform from July 9 in a staggered release
Stripped across 10 episodes, a group of singers are catapulted into each other's lives as they attempt to create their own bands - all by themselves
As the reviews flood in, here's exactly what the critics are saying about Netflix's latest big-budget show.
The Telegraph
The folks at The Telegraph claim that there's 'no new ideas in TV', claiming the show copies elements from The X Factor, The Circle and even Love Is Blind.
In their review, the publication said: 'Payne doesn’t appear until episode seven, when he judges the acts with kindness and constructive criticism.
'An Australian contestant shares the fact that, when he was 11, his parents won a competition to take the family to see One Direction at Madison Square Garden, and from then on he wanted to be in a group.
'It’s a sweet moment and Payne looks genuinely touched. It’s right that the producers, backed by the family, decided to keep his contribution in the series. But it’s also pretty sad.'
i Paper
Over at the i Paper, they question whether talent shows should even be a part of TV in this day and age and their duty of care towards contestants.
Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean hosts the programme, with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger as the main mentor and judge, being joined by Liam and Kelly Rowland throughout the process
The format sees the artists perform in special pods that allows other contestants to hear their sound, and ultimately decide if they want them in their band
They write: 'Obviously, the flashy trailer displays no awareness of the grim irony that were it not for programmes just like this that promise desperate, hopeful singers a future of success and stardom, Payne might still be alive.
'In fact, it displays no awareness of the conversations about how we protect young talents and their mental health in the wake of his death at all.'
The Guardian
Delivering just a three-star review, The Guardian also take a swipe at Building The Band's format and production qualities, claiming the series' first episodes 'feel a little drawn-out and repetitive'.
The newspaper says: 'As a reality show, it is fine, watchable, well-crafted, leaving sufficient cliffhangers to keep you pressing play.'
In one review by the Telegraph, they brand Liam Payne 'the best thing in this insincere singing contest'
As the reviews flood in, MailOnline takes a closer look at exactly what the critics are saying about Netflix's latest big-budget show
It also raises its eyebrows on whether the show aims to create new sound or simply TV storylines.
'I did question why Building the Band would choose to focus on groups, in an era of solo singer dominance, but perhaps it has been designed less for making stars, and more for the dramatic spectacle,' the reviewer says.
The Standard
Meanwhile, The Standard praise Netflix for their latest reality TV offering in their glowing four-star review.
They say Building The Band 'taps into the legacy' of noughties TV shows such as The X Factor, which created One Direction and Liam Payne.
'For lifelong One Direction fans, Payne’s presence is bittersweet – but he’s a grounded, respectful presence here, and the series handles his legacy with care,' the review says.
They add: 'Like clockwork, tensions flare. Those who falter often lash out, giving the show its requisite dose of drama. But Building the Band isn’t just about meltdowns. It’s also a showcase for powerful mentorship, and few moments are more affecting than Payne’s.'
