Former One Direction bandmates Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson are reuniting for a new project: a three-part documentary series set to premiere on Netflix in 2026. The series will follow the pair on a road trip across the United States.
The documentary is described as "a spontaneous adventure of reconnection, exploration, and a lot of laughter". It will explore their lives, love, loss, and fatherhood. The series will also delve into their careers since leaving One Direction and the impact of the tragic death of their bandmate, Liam Payne. Payne passed away in October 2024 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Malik and Tomlinson, along with former bandmates Niall Horan and Harry Styles, reunited at Payne's funeral in November 2024.
Directed by Nicola Marsh, known for her work on Demi Lovato's "Child Star" and "Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story", the documentary promises a rare look into the lives of two of the most famous and private men in the world. The series is produced by Campfire Studios, which also produced "Unknown Number: The High School Catfish", "Smartless: On the Road", and "America's Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders".
Malik and Tomlinson first met as members of One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, where they were grouped together with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne. One Direction became one of the most successful boy bands of all time, selling over 70 million records. Malik left the band in March 2015.
The reunion between Malik and Tomlinson is especially significant for fans, considering the tension between the two after Malik's departure from One Direction. They engaged in a social media exchange in 2015. However, Tomlinson confirmed in 2017 that they were on better terms.
The documentary is expected to drop in 2026, marking a decade since One Direction went on indefinite hiatus. In January 2025, Tomlinson was seen attending Malik's "Stairway to the Sky" tour stop in Los Angeles. Last month, Malik announced a Las Vegas residency that will take place next year. Tomlinson recently announced his album "How Did I Get Here?", set to release on January 23, and his tour next summer.
