Netflix’s Building the Band arrived with a fresh twist on the reality music competition format: instead of spotlighting solo stars, the series challenges musicians to form bands, blend their talents, and compete as a group. In a TV landscape dominated by individual talent shows, this collaborative premise immediately set it apart. And yet, as the season unfolded, it became clear that the show was both excitingly innovative and frustratingly uneven.

By the time the finale aired, the conversation had shifted from how bands were formed to which band truly deserved the crown, a debate that underscored both the strengths and flaws of the series.

The highlights

  1. A collaborative concept that feels fresh: Building the Band challenges its contestants to do something harder than just singing well: compromise, listen, and create harmony with strangers. In an industry that often emphasizes individuality, watching artists navigate egos and merge styles felt refreshing and real.

  2. A diverse range of voices: Although all the contestants were singers, no two voices sounded alike. The show brought together artists with distinct tones, ranges, and musical influences, which created space for unexpected blends. Some were powerhouse vocalists, others leaned more on emotion or texture, but together they reflected the many different ways a voice can carry a song. This variety made the group dynamics compelling, even when the results weren’t perfect.

  3. Authentic creative struggles: Behind every polished performance were moments of vulnerability: disagreements, failed attempts, and breakthroughs. These raw glimpses into the creative process gave the series a grounded edge and offered valuable lessons about collaboration under pressure.

Where the show fell short

  1. Too much talk, not enough music: Early episodes leaned heavily into dialogue and drama at the expense of actual performance. While personality dynamics are important, audiences tuned in primarily for the music, and it often felt like the soundtrack was being teased rather than showcased.

  2. Aesthetics were kept at arm’s length: Contestants were allowed to see each other’s photos on an iPad and meet briefly over video call before forming bands, but they didn’t actually meet in person until after selections were made. In real-world band dynamics, physical presence and energy matter just as much as sound. By keeping that element at arm’s length, the show created groups that sometimes felt misaligned.

  3. Nicole’s role as judge: The show leaned heavily on Nicole Scherzinger, who served as the main judge. While her expertise was a valuable anchor, the structure of introducing her to bands individually throughout the early stages felt overproduced. A collective introduction after band formations might have established a stronger sense of fairness and momentum.

  4. Fragmented editing: Rehearsals were often shown in quick montages, cutting away before songs or creative arcs reached their payoff. This editing choice left viewers craving more depth and undercut the very artistry the show set out to celebrate.

  5. Blurry stakes: The judging criteria weren’t always clear, making eliminations feel arbitrary. Without transparent metrics for success, the competition element sometimes struggled to engage.

The finale: SZN4 vs. spectacle

For much of the season, SZN4 felt like frontrunners. They had great chemistry, and their performances struck a balance few other bands achieved. Each member’s voice was unique yet never overpowering, blending into a sound that was cohesive, powerful, and emotionally resonant. Even Kelly Rowland twice hinted at their potential to win, remarking, "We might be looking at the winners here.”

Their finale performance proved her point. It was raw, moving, and authentic, so much so that people in the audience were brought to tears. SZN4 didn’t rely on bells and whistles; they trusted their voices and connection to carry them. Watching them was thrilling, not because of spectacle, but because of pure, unfiltered artistry.

That’s why their loss was so difficult to accept. But after reflecting, the judges’ decision made more sense. The winning band brought choreography, coordinated outfits, and props to the stage, crafting a complete performance package. While SZN4 leaned on emotion and sound alone, the other group delivered something more “competition-ready.”

It highlighted a truth not just about Building the Band but about the music industry at large: success isn’t only about talent. Presentation matters. In an era where live performance is as much visual as it is sonic, the ability to pair strong music with engaging stagecraft can tip the scales.

Final take

Building the Band was ambitious and often compelling, but uneven. Its concept—celebrating collaboration instead of competition—is a welcome evolution for the genre. The talent was rich, the emotional arcs were real, and the finale sparked exactly the kind of debate a show like this should.

But the series also needs fine-tuning: clearer stakes, more focus on music earlier on, and production choices that let artistry shine rather than obscure it.

As for SZN4, they may not have taken the official title, but for many viewers, including myself, they were the season’s true winners. They proved that music, at its best, doesn’t need extras. Sometimes harmony, heart, and authenticity are enough to carry the stage.