BBC Plans Girlbands Forever Documentary Exploring 90s-00s UK Female Pop Groups

The BBC documentary series "Girlbands Forever" offers a nostalgic yet revealing look at British girl bands from the 1990s to the 2010s, including groups like All Saints, Eternal, Atomic Kitten, and Little Mix. It explores both the empowering aspects of these bands and the significant pressures they faced, such as misogyny, fat shaming, and strict beauty standards, highlighted by Kelle Bryan's account of being sent to a countryside facility to control diet and weight. The series also addresses band rivalries, social changes, and shifts in media coverage from print to social media, while celebrating diversity and sisterhood among group members. Despite its comprehensive approach, the documentary has been critiqued for omitting certain influential bands like Girls Aloud and lacking discussion on the impact on fans and queer audiences. Personal stories from band members reveal the harsh realities behind their public images, including struggles with pregnancy, dating, and mental health challenges. Overall, the series blends entertainment with critical insights into the music industry's treatment of female artists and the social dynamics of the era.