TV Series19992 Seasons11 EpisodesEnded
Popstars
RealityDocumentary
Popstars is an international reality television franchise and a precursor to the Idol series. The series first began in New Zealand in 1999 when producer Jonathan Dowling formed the five member all-girl group TrueBliss. Popstars remains one of the most successful TV show formats of all time with the format being sold to more than 50 countries. The show was the inspiration for Simon Fuller's Pop Idol franchise.
Episodes & Seasons
Browse episodes by season for this series.
Season 1
9 EpisodesThe inaugural season of Popstars screened on TVNZ's TV2 channel in 1999 and was made up of nine half-hour episodes. The show's producers received $291,170 in funding from NZ On Air. The format focused on the development of the five-piece girl group TrueBliss. The group's five members were Joe Cotton, Keri Harper, Erika Takacs, Carly Binding and Megan Alatini. Popstars followed TrueBliss as they recorded singles, music videos, album and embarked on a promotional tour of New Zealand. The show also featured series creator and producer Jonathan Dowling and musician Peter Urlich.
EP 01
EP 1
01.The Auditions
30m
1999-04-20
01.The Auditions
30m
Aired 1999-04-20
Over 500 hopefuls audition across New Zealand for Judges Peter Urlich and Mark Tierney.
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EP 02
EP 2
02.Forming the Band
30m
1999-04-27
02.Forming the Band
30m
Aired 1999-04-27
Judges Peter Urlich and Mark Tierney narrow the field down to five members: Carly Binding, Erika Takacs, Joe Cotton, Keri Harper, and Megan Alatini. The five members move into an Auckland flat together, begin intensive vocal coaching with Peter Urlich, and establish group dynamics.
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EP 03
EP 3
03.Makeovers
30m
1999-05-04
03.Makeovers
30m
Aired 1999-05-04
The girls undergo major hair makeovers and wardrobe styling sessions to craft their public image.
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EP 04
EP 4
04.Contract Drama
30m
1999-05-11
04.Contract Drama
30m
Aired 1999-05-11
Their original contract deal was unauthorized by PPolygram. Their new record deal is with Sony. Carly and Erika fight.
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EP 05
EP 5
05.Recording the Album
30m
1999-05-18
05.Recording the Album
30m
Aired 1999-05-18
The group enters Air Force Studios in Auckland to track vocals for their debut 11-track album, Dream.
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EP 06
EP 6
06.The Music Video Shoot
30m
1999-05-25
06.The Music Video Shoot
30m
Aired 1999-05-25
The group undergoes styling, hair makeovers, and choreography prep to shoot their first official music video with director Andy Gale.
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EP 07
EP 7
07.Media Boot Camp & Single Release (#1)
30m
1999-06-01
07.Media Boot Camp & Single Release (#1)
30m
Aired 1999-06-01
As public hype reaches a fever pitch, Woman's Weekly editor Wendyl Nissen puts the group through media boot camp to handle press intrusion and radio interviews. Simultaneously, the "Tonight" CD single drops nationwide, sparking massive store crowds and debuting directly at #1 on the RIANZ Singles Chart (going Platinum).
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EP 08
EP 8
08.Reflecting On The TV Series & Journey
30m
1999-06-08
08.Reflecting On The TV Series & Journey
30m
Aired 1999-06-08
With their debut album finished and instant fame taking hold, the five members look back on their whirlwind journey, reflecting on their individual growth, personal strains, and group bond.
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EP 09
EP 9
09.Live Concert
30m
1999-06-15
09.Live Concert
30m
Aired 1999-06-15
TrueBliss live concert.
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