How to Fail as a Popstar

The story of Vivek, a queer brown boy from Edmonton as he tries (and fails) to achieve pop stardom, told from the perspective of the now 40-something trans femme artist that boy became.

Production

Logo for Bell Fund | Fonds Bell
Logo for Sphère Média

Seasons

8 Episodes • Premiered 2023

Still image for How to Fail as a Popstar season 1 episode 1: The Popstar

1. The Popstar

In 1997 Edmonton, 15-year-old Vivek has never quite felt like he fit in but hearing a pop song leads to discovering his dream…and his voice.

Still image for How to Fail as a Popstar season 1 episode 2: The Judge

2. The Judge

Like all pop icons, Vivek’s journey to superstardom starts at the mall!

Still image for How to Fail as a Popstar season 1 episode 3: The Producer

3. The Producer

Vivek’s dream of pop stardom comes with a hefty price and a struggle to articulate his vision while working with a hotshot producer.

Still image for How to Fail as a Popstar season 1 episode 4: The Call

4. The Call

Vivek’s debut album gets him his ticket out of Edmonton! But first he needs to find a way to tell his mom he’s moving to Toronto.

Still image for How to Fail as a Popstar season 1 episode 5: The Manager

5. The Manager

Are Vivek’s new manager’s industry know-how, connections, and guidance worth living with her mercurial mood swings and abusive behaviour?

Still image for How to Fail as a Popstar season 1 episode 6: The Sisters

6. The Sisters

Vivek takes control!

Still image for How to Fail as a Popstar season 1 episode 7: The Record Deal

7. The Record Deal

After the Tegan and Sara tour, Vivek’s music career has accelerated to Paris and a French record label in 2006 – but do their plans align with Vivek’s dream?

Still image for How to Fail as a Popstar season 1 episode 8: The Failure

8. The Failure

Her 40th birthday leads Vivek, now a successful author and creative writing teacher in Edmonton, to reflect on her failure as a popstar.

Cast

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