Simon Cowell, the iconic music mogul and television personality, has reportedly 'signed up' for an upcoming new documentary series focused on the legendary singing competition, The X Factor. The 66-year-old, renowned for creating hit shows like X Factor and the Got Talent franchise, is set to return to screens following his recent Netflix docuseries, Simon Cowell: The Next Act.
A Definitive Look at an Era-Defining Show
Sky has commissioned this untitled documentary, describing it as a 'definitive documentary series exploring the era-defining entertainment juggernaut'. According to reports, Simon has already begun filming interviews with the production company 72 Films, signalling a deep dive into the programme's history.
A television insider revealed to The Sun: 'Getting Simon on board is a huge coup in its own right as he is, after all, the man who was always at the heart of the show during the 15 years that X Factor was on our screens.'
Unseen Archives and Celebrity Involvement
The insider added: 'But it has wider significance because it means that other famous names who appeared on the series have effectively been given Simon’s blessing to be involved in the documentary too. Plus the producers are likely to get access to the extensive archive of footage, some of it unseen, from over the many years that the show was being made.'
This documentary promises not to be a 'soft' look at the TV phenomenon but rather an in-depth exploration of its success and its controversies. Daily Mail has contacted Simon Cowell's representative for comment on the project.
The Legacy of The X Factor
The X Factor aired 15 series on ITV between 2004 and 2018, becoming a cultural staple. Over the years, it was presented by a roster of hosts including Kate Thornton, Dermot O'Leary, Caroline Flack, and Olly Murs.
Simon Cowell was joined on the judging panel by numerous famous faces, such as:
- Sharon Osbourne
- Louis Walsh
- Dannii Minogue
- Cheryl
- Gary Barlow
- Tulisa
Other judges who appeared at various points included Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, Rita Ora, Ayda Field, Robbie Williams, and Louis Tomlinson.
Contestant Groups and Mentoring
Contestants were categorised into one of four groups: the boys, girls, over-25s, and groups. They were mentored by celebrities like Simon, Sharon, Louis, Cheryl, Dannii, and Nicole, adding a competitive edge to the format.
The show became a huge fan favourite, airing auditions and live shows on Saturday nights. It launched the careers of numerous successful artists, including:
- Olly Murs
- Little Mix
- One Direction
- JLS
- Leona Lewis
- James Arthur
One of the most notable success stories is One Direction, formed from contestants Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles.
Simon Cowell's Recent Projects
Simon was only recently on our screens in his docuseries Simon Cowell: The Next Act. The six-part series, which landed on Netflix on Wednesday 10 December 2025, follows the record executive as he attempts to find the next big boyband.
Having created incredible solo artists and bands from his shows over the years, Simon decided to give it another go. He was joined on-screen by his wife Lauren Silverman, 48, whom he married in 2013, along with music industry professionals like Savan Kotecha, Kamille, Poo Bear, Pete Waterman, and Robert Stevenson.
Netflix's synopsis reads: 'Simon Cowell is looking for the next hit boy band. And he's risking it all to find them. Will these young singers prove he's still got the Midas touch?'
At the end of the series, the boyband December 10 was formed, consisting of Cruz Lee-Ojo, Danny Bretherton, Hendrik Christoffersen, John Fadare, Josh Olliver, Nicholas Alves, and Seán Hayden. The show also delved into Simon's personal life, including a dramatic moment where his wife Lauren stormed off in tears after a row about family commitments.
This new X Factor documentary marks another chapter in Simon Cowell's enduring influence on entertainment, promising to reveal unseen insights into one of television's most iconic competitions.
