TV › How to Fail as a Popstar

Digital series · Premiered 13 October 2023 on CBC Gem

What happens when a star isn’t born? How to Fail as a Popstar, an adaptation of Vivek Shraya’s hit play and subsequent book, answers this question with hilarity, vulnerability, a healthy dose of imagination, and of course, music.

Streaming now on CBC Gem.

Featuring

Vivek Shraya
Adrian Pavone
Chris D’Silva

Written by Vivek Shraya
Directed by Vanessa Matsui
Co-directed by Vivek Shraya (1 episode)

Popstar‘s exceptional watchability and fluid pacing is thanks to a delicious recipe of nostalgia (the show is shot with the dreamy gloss of a ’90s glamour shoot), humour, vulnerable performances, and, of course, a creative team primarily made up of women and women of colour.
— Loose Lips Magazine

A groundbreaking, beautiful piece of work.
— The Social

At times tender, at times hilarious, and always comes with a deep sense of humanity of someone really, really trying to go for it.
— RANGE

I found it refreshing how the characters don’t internalize the white gaze, which we don’t have many examples of in the media.
— Xtra Magazine

With her dazzling performances sprinkled throughout the episodes, and accompanied by a soundtrack of her original songs, Shraya’s artistry and skill as a writer and performer are on full display…. Her story is full of heart, courage, and self-acceptance, and has a vulnerability that will resonate with viewers, whether or not they consider themselves artists.
— Shedoesthecity

…Equal parts an emotional journey and funny comedy, with an appealing 1990s and 2000s aesthetic, packaged with unique and compelling visuals to make you fall in love with this story.
— Yahoo! News