Liam Payne’s untimely passing in October 2024 sent shockwaves through the music world. Now, months later, Netflix has announced Building the Band—a reality competition series featuring Liam as a guest judge. Filmed before his tragic fall in Buenos Aires, the show is set to premiere on July 9, 2025. But while fans welcome one last glimpse of the former One Direction star, many admit they’re simply not ready for this goodbye.
The trailer debuted recently, showcasing the format: contestants form bands based solely on musical compatibility before seeing each other—think Love Is Blind but with vocalists. Liam appears alongside A‑List names like Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland, and AJ McLean . For fans, the emotional impact is twofold: delight at seeing Liam one final time, and heartbreak at the realization he’s no longer here.
Social media has exploded with reactions. Many fans tearfully shared sentiments like “I’m not ready 🥺😭” and “How are we supposed to watch this?” . The excerpts reveal a raw, collective mourning:
“How are we supposed to watch this? we’ll see him laughing and having fun…and we’ll be drowning in tears over this unfairness…”
“I’m not sure if I would be okay watching him being on that show, knowing he’s not here anymore.”
Still, not all fans are overwhelmed with sorrow. Some view the series as a celebration of Liam’s legacy. As one fan poignantly noted, “For a little while we’ll see him again 🥹❤️🩹,” while others expressed joy at his final work seeing the light of day .
Netflix and Liam’s closest collaborators have been sensitive to the delicate nature of this release. Producers paused production after his death and entered discussions with his family on how best to honor him . Ultimately, they gained support to move forward. AJ McLean confirmed the show would be “dedicated to him,” aiming to highlight Liam’s passion and mentorship rather than sensationalize his absence .
The bottom line: Building the Band promises emotional highs—hollow joy, bittersweet laughter, and perhaps a healing catharsis for fans. July 9 marks not only the series premiere but also a milestone in collective mourning. Whether viewers choose to watch or to prepare with caution, the world will soon witness Liam Payne one last time in action.
