How to Watch the New Wave Docuseries on MGM+
New Wave premieres Monday, November 23, 2026, at 9 p.m. on MGM+. The four-part docuseries tells the story of New Wave music from 1977 to 1987, the decade it pulled alternative culture into the mainstream, with new episodes every Monday at 9 p.m.
On DIRECTV, MGM+ is a premium add-on, and its channels start at channel 558. Once you have it, you can also stream episodes in the MGM+ app with your DIRECTV login.
New Wave premiere schedule
MGM+ releases one episode a week. Based on the Monday cadence, the run looks like this:
| Episode | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 (premiere) | Mon., Nov. 23, 2026 | 9 p.m. |
| Episode 2 | Mon., Nov. 30, 2026 | 9 p.m. |
| Episode 3 | Mon., Dec. 7, 2026 | 9 p.m. |
| Episode 4 (finale) | Mon., Dec. 14, 2026 | 9 p.m. |
MGM+ hasn't posted episode titles yet, so check the guide for any schedule changes.
What the New Wave docuseries covers
The series follows New Wave from its rebellious origins to its influence on music, fashion and pop culture. It mixed punk's spirit with synthesizers, art-school style and dance beats, and it made room for women, the queer community and new technology. The early MTV years are part of the story, with original VJs Mark Goodman and Martha Quinn among the interviews.
Director Douglas Tirola says the music welcomed outsiders who didn't fit into traditional groups, calling it "a story about people fighting to be heard, accepted and celebrated for who they are."
Who's in New Wave
The interviews include Billy Idol, John Taylor of Duran Duran, Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Chris Frantz of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, Curt Smith of Tears for Fears, Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson of The B-52s, Johnny Marr of The Smiths, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, Kathy Valentine of The Go-Go's and Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo.
Also featured are Andy Bell (Erasure), Andy McCluskey (OMD), Annabella Lwin (Bow Wow Wow), Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats), Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes), Brian Setzer (Stray Cats), Dave Wakeling (English Beat), Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Martha Davis (The Motels), Thomas Dolby, IRS Records founder Miles Copeland, music journalist Matt Pinfield and DJ Richard Blade, who is also the series' consulting producer.
This Machine Filmworks, part of Sony Pictures Television, produced the series with 4th Row Films and PolyGram Entertainment. R.J. Cutler and Tirola are among the executive producers.
How to watch New Wave on DIRECTV
MGM+ is a premium add-on for DIRECTV Signature TV plans, and DIRECTV lists its regular price at $7.99 a month. MGM+ channels start at channel 558 in the DIRECTV guide; the network used to be called EPIX, so our EPIX channel guide for DIRECTV also applies. You can add MGM+ in your DIRECTV account, in the DIRECTV app or by phone, and stream it on a DIRECTV Gemini device.
Deciding whether MGM+ is worth it? Our MGM+ streaming review and our guide to what MGM+ offers and how to watch it walk through the library, and you can compare plans on our DIRECTV packages page or check this month's streaming deals.
Frequently asked questions
When does New Wave premiere on MGM+?
New Wave premieres Monday, November 23, 2026, at 9 p.m. on MGM+.
How many episodes are in New Wave?
Four. MGM+ releases a new episode every Monday at 9 p.m.
Who is interviewed in the New Wave docuseries?
Billy Idol, John Taylor of Duran Duran, Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Curt Smith of Tears for Fears, Johnny Marr, Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s, Danny Elfman and many more.
Who directed New Wave?
Douglas Tirola directed the series, and DJ Richard Blade is the consulting producer.
What channel is MGM+ on DIRECTV?
MGM+ channels start at channel 558 on DIRECTV.
How much is MGM+ on DIRECTV?
DIRECTV lists MGM+ at $7.99 a month as a premium add-on for Signature TV plans.
Want MGM+ and the rest of your favorite channels on one bill? Compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 22, 2026. Premiere dates and times are set by MGM+ and may change; episode dates after the premiere follow MGM+'s announced weekly Monday schedule. Channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. MGM+, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.