We’ve all been hammering TV recently haven’t we? Streaming services have kept us connected and helped us escape the monotony that lock down left us feeling. I’ve never been a huge binge watcher, but I can’t regret embracing it this last year. What I have really got in to lately though is a good documentary. Particularly a celebrity one! Here are the best celebrity documentaries to watch.
Celebrity fascination
Most of us will admit to being a least a little intrigued by the world of celebrity. We now have them available almost 24 hours thanks to social media. But how much will we really know about what goes on behind closed doors?
Do we even need to know? Probably not. But I would much rather have my celebrity news delivered to me directly from the source. The alternative is to have it delivered through the press and I know which is more damaging!
The best Celebrity documentaries to watch
Caroline Flack: Her life and death
Following her sad death last year, this documentary takes a look back over her life. The hounding she faced and just how damaged she was because of it.
Her story was told by her family and friends. You could see their pain and how much they adored Caroline. But also how aware they were that she was struggling.
I think her death came as a huge shock to the general public, the same public who devoured every bit of scandal that surrounded her final months. If the one thing you take away from this documentary is the need to be kind and to ditch the tabloids then this is a must watch!
Framing Britney Spears
Again, a documentary that lifts the lid on the pond scum that is celebrity media outlets. (Before anyone points out that these are in fact people who deserve respect… I’ll respect them when they stop hounding celebrities)
Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the last 13 years, you’ll no doubt be aware of the struggles that Britney faced so publicly. What you may not know is how difficult her life was at the time. Can you even begin to imagine how it must feel to be followed EVERYWHERE!?
What I found really interesting was the coverage of the #FREEBRITNEY movement. A movement I fully stand behind. This is a grown woman who has her whole life mapped out for her, by her Father. A man who honestly, sounds really quite unpleasant. Possibly a biased view of course based on the subject of this documentary. My view though, granting financial control to a man who has previously been declared bankrupt seems like a fairly bad idea.
This acted as a stark reminder of the damage that the press can do. Britney now, even 13 years later is left unable to life the live she would like. All thanks to the public ‘breakdown’ we all witnessed.
Gaga: Five foot two
I know I am late to the Gaga party, but after watching A Star is born, she really won me over. When I spotted this on Netflix I was desperate to know more.
I was pretty clueless about Gaga so this was an eye-opener. Nothing was off limits and this is what made this such a great documentary. Seeing the person behind the celebrity. Discussing her recent break up to sharing her struggles with Fibromyalgia this was an honest and painful look at the struggles of life under a spotlight.
Celebrity: A 21st Century story
This 4 part BBC2 documentary was brilliant! Covering the last 20 years and the shift in celebrity. And why it has become such a huge part of our life now.
It seems clear after watching this that the rise of reality TV has been the biggest reason for this shift to a celeb focused world. Coupled of course with the birth of social media. A partnership that changed the world of celebrity forever.
It certainly opened my eyes to another version of events. I’ve always been open about my dislike of the press, but this did show that the 2 often go hand in hand. They need each other, a mutually beneficial relationship on the most part. The more savvy of celebrity learn fast how to use this exposure to their benefit of course.
But what the press are always very good at is building people up just to knock them back down again. This is why I have such a negative view!
What I loved most though was the nostalgic look back at things like the early talent shows and the emergence of Big Brother. God I forgot how good it was!
Jade: The reality star who changed Britain
The perfect follow up to the BBC2 documentary was the story of Jade, aired on channel 4. We all remember the Jade legacy. We remember her rise to fame, her fall from grace and her determination to never give up.
This documentary covers it all. From the happy-go-lucky child who dreamt of stardom to her battle with cervical cancer that sadly resulted in her death at such a young age. The documentary shares an intimate view from those that knew her best.
If this acts as nothing else but a reminder to go and get your smear test done then it’s a must watch.
Jesy Nelson: Odd one out
I’ve talked about this one before. It was probably the first time I really understood how devastating the effect of internet trolls could really be. This is even more relevant now that Jesy has left Little Mix I think.
Covering the damage cyber-bullying has had on her mental health was so brave of her and made for difficult but enlightening viewing. I strongly believe this should be shown in PSHE lessons in schools. Children of all ages need to understand that the way they behave has an impact. That and of course the need to open up about our own experiences.
Katie Price: Harvey and me
We all know Jordan/Katie Price has been the Queen of reality for many many years but this documentary was a little different.
Focusing on son Harvey and his disabilities as he reaches adulthood and what the next steps are for him and the family. Katie openly shares the difficulties she faces both with managing Harvey but also with fighting for his needs to be met.
For anyone who has experience in special school placement, it is a familiar journey. For those who haven’t, it is a real eye opener. I think, no matter your view of KP, you’ll certainly feel for her as a mother. What really shone through though was the beautiful relationship between the pair. Harvey, sadly has been subjected to some of the most disgusting internet trolling I’ve ever seen. But he is a superstar, a genuinely lovely, loving young man.
Kate Garraway: Finding Derek
This documentary should be shown to anyone that thinks Covid is not real. Utterly heartbreaking what the family have been through, but the bravery with which Kate handles it is admirable.
This reduced us both to tears. It was a really candid look at the long term impact of covid on the whole family.
Bros: After the screaming stops
This had to make the list! I am not even sure what I can say about it. Probably the oddest thing I have ever watched. Maybe the Bros thing passed me by in my youth, but man these guys believe their own hype! The in house arguing makes for interesting and slightly uncomfortable viewing.
If you want a little more of a giggle then this is the one!
That’s your lot! There is hopefully something here for everyone who is partial to a celebrity documentary. Maybe even those who didn’t think a documentary was there thing. Give it a go!
Have you got a celeb documentary recommendation that I must check out?
I love documentaries especially dinosaur documentaries. I have never heard of or watched any of the documentaries you listed but I need to watch them as they sound fab. Finding Derek got me as there’s a lot of people who believe that COVID is real and it’s funny what amazing ideologies they come up with. I heard some people say COVID is just a charade and the government are using it for their benefits and shit like that and I’m like WTF is killing thousands of people then? If you don’t believe in COVID, keep it to yourself as some opinions are just annoying as hell! I would really love to watch odd one out too. When I heard the story of Jess leaving little mix, I wondered why but when I saw that she was living because she preferred her mental health and wellbeing to fame, she won a spot in my heart. I don’t wanna write too much now haha. Thank you for sharing xx
Thank you lovely. The jesy one was utterly heartbreaking. I’m glad she has left the band, I really think it’s the best move for her. It was obviously very damaging for her x
I love documentaries, and I feel like a lot of celebrity documentaries can be very intimate and give another perspective. Especially Jesy and Katie’s.
Kate Garraway’s story is heartbreaking, and that it’s all been played out under the public eye? It must be so hard for her.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
She has dealt with it amazingly well and to still be on the TV each day, I really admire her strength x
The BBC2 documentary on celebrity culture sounds so fascinating! Definitely the type of show I’d watch or be interested in. Thanks for sharing this list 🙂
It was brilliant and very nostalgic x
These documentaries look really interesting. I am going to bookmark these suggestions and check them out.
I hope you enjoy them x
I love watching celebrity documentaries. I’ve watched Finding Derek, Jade Goodie & Caroline Flack and each one has had be balling my eyes out. They each have such a strong message though. I’m definitely going to check out some of the other ones you’ve mentioned.
I don’t think there is a single one that didn’t make me cry!
Ooh! I actually haven’t seen any besides Framing Britney and that one was heartbreaking! Not a celebrity one but Seaspicracy is one everyone is talking about that I want to watch! Thanks for sharing, Claire xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
I really want to check that one out. Was thinking I might do another post for best documentaries in general x
These all sound like some really interesting documentaries, it is often interesting to see a different side of a celebrity.
It was really quite eye opening x
I love a good documentary – I’m saving them all up until I go back to uni and can watch them with dinner.
The celebrity BBC one sounds really interesting. I’ve got to admit that some of the others don’t hold much appeal though.
I have to say I thought the same but I was surprised by them all. The BBC one though was brilliant!
I love watching true events and learning more about my favourite celebrities so these are documentaries I can’t wait to watch.
I hope you enjoy them x
I have actually not been watching any celebrity documentaries but I have been about oceans and wildlife, those are my types of documentaries.
I love those too and crime ones x
I’m really not q big documentary person but I’ve heard so many things about the Bros documentary that I think I’ll have to give in and watch it at some point! The others on here all sound great too!
It’s worth it for the laughs to be honest x
These all sound great and I do love a good documentary, definitely one of my guilty pleasures x
Mine too! Although I normally go
For crime ones so these are very different x
I love a good documentary but I rarely ever watch celebrity ones. I’m more of a science, mystery, murder sort of person! That being said the Caroline flack documentary is one that I would really like to see x
Me too normally, but lockdown does funny things to us hey! I’m pleased I did watch them though. Caroline’s story is utterly heartbreaking x
I watched the Jesy Nelson documentary when it was on TV. It was heartbreaking to see what internet trolls can do to such a young and innocent person. I need to watch the Britney Spears one too.
It’s certainly eye opening what they go through x
I have never seen a celebrity documentary now that I think about it! Finding Derek was advertised a couple of weeks ago on tv, but still have to watch it. The 21st-century story sounds very interesting! Thank you for sharing x
I really enjoyed the 21st century one, so glad I found it x
These all sound like very interesting celebrity documentaries! I need to give Katie Price; Harvey and me. Great recomendations!
It was a lovely show. Really showed a different side to what the press show us x
I still need to watch Jordan’s one and I need to see Kate Garraway’s one.. but I’m holding that one for when I feel less emotional
Rosie
Oh gosh yes it was an emotional watch x
I watched both the Caroline Flack and Jesy Nelson documentaries and they both made me cry. One thing that strikes me is that so many documentaries are about the damage done to female celebrities, which is a pretty damning indictment of our society. The Katie Price one is one I need to watch, I’ve heard excellent stories about this. Great shortlist, Claire, thank you x
Isn’t it shocking! It’s so easy to say they chose this life but that does not mean they have to be torn apart daily!
The Jesy Nelson documentary was so sad, it really hit home to me. And the Caroline Flack one was very moving as well. I want to watch the Britney Spears one soon x
The Jesy one was so eye-opening! It is shocking what she has been put through x
You’ve listed a few documentaries that I really want to watch but haven’t gotten around too. Especially the Britney Spears and Jesy Nelson ones!
I hope you get a chance to catch up with them x
I watched the Katie price Harvey and me, but did not know about some of the others including Brittany and Caroline flack, so will be checking a few of these out for sure x
I was surprised I enjoyed the Katie one but Harvey is a lovely young man x
I keep meaning to watch the Britney one but just haven’t gotten around to it as yet!
It’s well worth a watch x
My husband watch the Britney one when it came out on Sky. He said it was interesting to watch.
It was, I really feel for her x
Thank you so much for all of these suggestions! I am fascinated too and it really does make you warm towards them.
We watched the Kate Garraway documentary, it was just heartbreaking. I’d be really interested in watching the Britney Spears one. I found the whole situation with her dad so bizarre.
I loved the 21st century celebrity documentary that was on around Christmas, and it was such a throwback! It was also heart-breaking seeing what the public and tabloids are capable of doing to certain stars. The worst part is that the public and certain news outlets are still treating celebrities like that- will it ever end? Thank you for these recommendations x
I haven’t watched any of these yet but will definitely be watching a few. I’ve heard a lot about the Kate Garraway documentary.
I never really know what I’m looking for when it comes to watching documentaries, so I don’t tend to see many. Great recommendations here – thanks for the suggestions
Great post Claire. I thought the Kate Garraway documentary was great but so eye-opening as to what some people have had to go through with covid. So pleased to her Derek is home now, though! The Jade documentary broke my heart and made me SO angry. And the Caroline Flack documentary… don’t get me started otherwise I will cry. There’s a few here I need to catch up on!
I’ve watched lots of documentaries about sustainability and the planet but never celebrities. Thank you for sharing this list, it’s really interesting to read the comments of what others have thought about the documentaries too. Thank you for sharing, adding to my watch list!
Em x
These sounds interesting! I would love to watch! Thanks for these recommendations!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
These all sound brilliant, I need to give them a watch! I’ve seen the one about Jade Goody – that was so sad but incredible xx
So many I want to watch from your list, Claire! I only watched the Britney one, and I definitely need to watch the Katie Price and Kate Garaway as soon as possible!
I haven’t watched these. But I remember I was going to watch framing Britney! So glad she is finally out of that situation. Thank you for sharing these suggestions.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
I have not seen any of these, I definitely need to check out them. Some of them sound amazing like the Gaga one. Thank you for sharing.
I like watching documentaries, but I haven’t seen any of these. However, Framing Britney Spears is on my watch list & I’m so happy that she is finally free from her conservatorship.