Netflix to Reduce Liam Payne’s Role in Upcoming Reality Show Following His Tragic Death

Netflix is considering significantly reducing Liam Payne’s involvement in its upcoming reality talent competition Building The Band, following the late singer’s untimely death in October last year. According to a report by Metro, the streaming platform is cautious about how Payne's presence in the series might be received by viewers and his loved ones.

A Sensitive Decision

The show, which features contestants forming a band without seeing each other, was filmed prior to Payne’s passing. The former One Direction member had signed on as a guest judge, alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, with AJ McLean as the host. However, sources suggest Netflix executives are deliberating on minimizing his on-screen appearances.

“The feeling among execs at Netflix is that they want to err on the side of caution, and if that means having Liam in the least amount of scenes possible, then that's the step they're willing to take,” an industry insider told Metro.

“They want to strike the right balance between having him feature in the show, doing the thing he loved, with having him feature too much, which would be a lot for his loved ones to contend with.”

Despite Payne’s tragic passing, Building The Band remains on track for release later this year, though its promotional strategy is expected to be adjusted accordingly.

One of His Final Projects

The show was among Payne’s last professional commitments, alongside his collaboration with North Carolina singer Sam Pounds on the track Do No Wrong. Reports indicate Payne thoroughly enjoyed his time on the show and had expressed interest in continuing to work with the contestants beyond production.

Liam Payne’s Tragic Death

Payne, 31, passed away in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office later confirmed that toxicology results detected traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system at the time of his death.

Born in Wolverhampton, England, Payne first gained fame after appearing on The X Factor in 2008. He later joined One Direction in 2010, becoming one of the most successful boy bands of all time. Following the group’s hiatus in 2016, he pursued a solo career, releasing multiple chart-topping singles.

What’s Next for Building The Band?

While the show’s production was briefly put on hold following Payne’s death, sources indicate that Netflix is committed to releasing it in a manner that honors his contribution while being sensitive to his fans and family.

As anticipation builds, Building The Band will likely see adjustments in editing, promotional materials, and the overall narrative to ensure a respectful tribute to Payne’s legacy.