New BBC documentary on David Bowie’s Berlin years is coming in 2026

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BBC Two and BBC iPlayer are due to celebrate David Bowie in Autumn next year with Bowie in Berlin (w/t), a 90-minute documentary marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic musician’s arrival in the German capital.

A Mindhouse/Blackstar Films co-production, executive produced by Louis Theroux and Mandy Chang, and directed by Francis Whately (David Bowie: Finding Fame, David Bowie: The Last Five Years, David Bowie: Five Years), Bowie in Berlin is billed as exploring one of the most important periods of his life — when he turned his back on fame and success and disappeared from sight into the streets of Cold War Berlin, from 1976-1978.

Whately tells the story in Bowie’s own words, as well as those of four women who shared his life during this time – Clare Shenstone, Romy Haag, Sarah-Rena Hine and Sydne Rome. Each offers their own insight into the singer’s life, art and character.

Jonathan Rothery, Head of BBC Popular Music TV says, “I’m very proud to be bringing audiences such a unique film from Francis Whately, Louis Theroux and Mandy Chang. Through the voices of those who were closest to David Bowie during this transformative period of his life, and through the words of the man himself, Bowie in Berlin will shed new light on one of the most important artists in musical history.”

Theroux adds, “This is a dream project. Francis’ three previous Bowie films are the gold standard for Bowie filmmaking and indeed for docs about music in general. To have his artistry focused on the Berlin years —  using the lens of the women in Bowie’s life — is a perfect match of director and material. There’s a wonderful unity of time and place to Bowie’s period in Berlin. He hit bottom, but he also found himself making some of his most personal music, then relaunched himself for the first time without a mask, as himself. So, Berlin is the crucible for his incredible regeneration and everything that came afterwards.”

Via Deadline.

Main article photo Copyright: © 1977 Ebet Roberts.