Reviewing Netflix’s WHAM! | The Story of Wham!

Sometimes a documentary reminds you how much you loved an artist.

And sometimes it reminds you that you loved them even more than you realized.

That's exactly what happened when Spearsy, Brad and Jen with One N sat down to watch WHAM!, Netflix's affectionate and entertaining look back at the career of Wham!.

This week on the Stuck in the ’80s podcast, the gang reviews the documentary and discovers that they may have been bigger Wham! fans than they ever admitted.

The film chronicles the extraordinary rise of childhood friends George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, who transformed themselves from ambitious teenagers into one of the defining pop acts of the MTV era. Through archival footage, personal photos and the duo's own reflections, the documentary captures both the excitement of their success and the genuine friendship that powered it.

The discussion revisits many of the songs that made Wham! a global phenomenon, including Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Everything She Wants, Freedom and Careless Whisper. Looking back, it's easy to see how quickly George Michael evolved from pop idol into one of the most gifted singers and songwriters of his generation.

But one of the documentary's greatest strengths is its treatment of Andrew Ridgeley. Rather than presenting him merely as the other guy in the band, the film highlights the important role he played in the group's formation, success and eventual legacy.

Along the way, Spearsy, Brad and Jen discuss how Wham! managed to balance infectious pop hooks, remarkable musicianship and genuine charisma in a way few groups ever achieve. What initially seemed like lightweight pop music often reveals surprising depth upon closer examination.

The conversation also explores why the documentary resonates so strongly today. Beyond the music, it's a story about friendship, ambition and two young people chasing a dream together before the realities of fame inevitably changed the equation.

Like many Stuck in the ’80s review episodes, the discussion mixes nostalgia, humor and newfound appreciation for a cultural phenomenon that deserves another look.

And yes, Jen's return is every bit as welcome as the soundtrack.

If you love music documentaries, MTV memories and rediscovering one of the most successful pop acts of the 1980s, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don't forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X music fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade's biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.