One Direction [A Fan Story]

Episode

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Harry, Niall, Louis, Liam And Zayn

20231117

20231208 (R1)
20240112 (R1)

This chapter details the origin story of One Direction, and the five boys who left home to audition for a TV singing competition and never really went back. Maddie Grace Jepson was 11-years-old when she sat down in front of her family TV and saw them: Harry, Niall, Louis, Liam and Zayn. Nothing would ever be the same.

Was it obvious from the start that they were destined for world domination? How did the fandom show their devotion in those early days?

Featuring interviews with song writer and X Factor vocal coach, Savan Kotecha and Radio 1 Presenter, Matt Edmondson.

Archive in this episode:

The X Factor, Series 7, ITV

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Warner Bros.

One Direction Video Diaries, The X Factor UK, YouTube.

They were more than a band. This is how five boys and one fandom changed things forever

They were more than a band, they were everything. This is how five boys and one fandom changed things forever.

Everyone Else In The Room Can See It

20231117

20231208 (R1)
20240112 (R1)

A year after their X Factor formation, One Direction were yet to release any music but their fandom was growing everyday. With teenage girls already staying out overnight in the hopes of meeting the boys, maybe they could have released any song as their debut. But they didn't. What Makes You Beautiful was a near perfect pop song - it was an antidote to the beige ballads crowding the charts at the time, and a calling card to teenage girls all around the world.

WMYB instantly defined One Direction's career. In this chapter, hear the story of the woman whose hair flip and insecurities inspired it.

Featuring interviews with song writer and X Factor vocal coach, Savan Kotecha, Radio 1 presenter Matt Edmondson, music journalist Michael Cragg, Radio 1 presenter/Directioner Danni Diston and journalist/Directioner Haajrah Gilani.

Archive in this episode:

Scott Mills with One Direction, Radio 1, 10 August 2011.

Steve Wright with One Direction, Radio 2, 31 August 2011.

The story of a perfect debut single

The story of a perfect debut single and the start of a global fan movement

How To Be A Directioner

20231117

20231208 (R1)
20240112 (R1)

All respected fandoms have rules but with the dawn of social media sites like Tumblr and Twitter, Directioners had to lead the way for internet fangirls.

This wasn't about record sales or concerts, it was about forging a loyal and global community who understood One Direction.

This chapter is dedicated to the fans who made One Direction a global phenomenon. Featuring interviews with TikToker, the 1D Historian, Directioners Grace Dumdaw, Danni Diston, Olivia Peter and Haajrah Gilani, music journalist Michael Cragg and editor of the Official Charts Company, Carl Smith.

Archive in this episode:

Graham Norton discussing Zayn's single strand of hair, The Graham Norton Show, BBC One

A guide to joining the most devoted fandom in internet history.

This chapter is dedicated to the fans who made One Direction a global phenomenon. Featuring interviews with TikToker the 1D Historian; Directioners Grace Dumdaw, Danni Diston, Olivia Peter and Haajrah Gilani; music journalist Michael Cragg; and editor of the Official Charts Company, Carl Smith.

Bigger Than The Beatles?

20231117

20231208 (R1)
20240112 (R1)
20240119 (R1)

From the start, the global response to One Direction immediately inspired comparisons to Beatlemania - but is it fair to compare the two fan movements?

The world had changed in countless ways between the 1960s and the 2010s but some things are timeless: boys who sing and have nice hair? They're everything!

This chapter details the conversations around One Direction's musical offering compared to a band like the Beatles. Were they ever taken seriously as artists?

Something that no one can deny about both fandoms is that they had power. What happened when that power was used for less than amicable purposes? And what happened to the journalists who interacted with the fandom? And who/what was Larry Stylinson?

Featuring interviews from Vanity Fair's chief critic Richard Lawson, Official Charts Company editor Carl Smith and One Direction songwriter Jamie Scott.

Archive in this episode:

The Beatles arriving in London, BBC Radio News Report, 31 October 1963

Paul McCartney, the Wall Street Journal

Ringo Starr, Associated Press

Ask controversial questions, get controversial answers!

The response to One Direction immediately inspired comparisons to Beatlemania - but is it fair to compare the two fan movements?

Straight Off The Plane

20231117

20231215 (R1)
20240119 (R1)

Did One Direction peak in 2013? It did feel impossible for any band to be bigger than they were.

Maybe we could call it the peak because it came right before - the fall. But this chapter isn't about the end.

2013 saw One Direction release their most grown up and critically acclaimed record yet. This chapter tells the story of how the boys and their team created Midnight Memories, an album that challenged people's perceptions and drew in even more fans. Maddie reminisces about the grown up sound (and its impact on her 13-year-old self).

In the same year they also released a film; One Direction: This Is Us was a global media event and an insight into the sacrifices each of the boys had made in order to find this success. They were on the top of the world but it wouldn't (and couldn't) last forever.

Featuring interviews with One Direction songwriter, Jamie Scott, the 1D Historian and Directioner Olivia Peter.

Archive in this episode:

One Direction at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2014, Glasgow

One Direction: This Is Us, TriStar Pictures

A Normal 22-year-old

20231117

20231215 (R1)
20240119 (R1)

This chapter details the darkest day in the One Direction fandom - one that many see as the official end of the band.

Was Zayn telling the truth in his original statement? Did he really just want a normal life?

Hearts broke around the world but solace came from the most unexpected people.

Featuring interviews with One Direction songwriter Jamie Scott, actor/model/Directioner Grace Dumdaw; the 1D Historian, journalist/Directioner Haajrah Gilani and Radio 1 presenter/Directioner Danni Diston.

Archive in this episode:

BBC Newsbeat, 25 March 2015

Simon Cowell, The Late Late Show with James Corden, 2015

Zayn Malik, Call Her Daddy, Spotify, 2023

Professor Stephen Hawking, Sydney Opera House's Ideas at the House, 2015

Look what you've done to us, Zayn.

It was the beginning of the end - but why did Zayn leave One Direction?

Too Much Is Never Enough

20231117

20231215 (R1)
20240125 (R1)

One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus in January 2016. It was a sad time for fans but 1D's end meant Harry, Niall, Louis and Liam could now go off and work on solo music, just like Zayn had already done. .

They used to be in 1D, now they were out free (Iif you know, you know). This chapter details the different paths each band member went down in order to redefine themselves as individuals.

Unlike other boy bands, none of them faded into pop oblivion. In fact, they all found success as solo artists. But there was one who took the global success of One Direction and turned it into solo career gold: Harry Styles.

Featuring interviews with Vanity Fair's chief critic Richard Lawson, music journalist Michael Cragg, the 1D Historian, editor of the Official Charts Company Carl Smith, journalist/Directioner Haajrah Gilani and star of Zayn's music video(!)/Directioner Grace Dumdaw.

Archive in this episode:

Harry Styles' Monologue, SNL, November 2019

One Direction at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2014, Glasgow

Liam Payne with Logan Paul, IMPAULSIVE Podcast, May 2022

This is not the end (it was just a hiatus)

Presenter: Maddie Grace Jepson

Producer: Gráinne Morrison

Written by Gráinne Morrison

Assistant Producer: Zayna Shaikh

Technical Producer: Ant Danbury

BBC Audio Editor: Andy Worrell

Commissioning producers: Jonathan O'Sullivan, Sarah Gosling

Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin

How five boys and one fandom changed things forever.

Don't Let It Go

20231117

20231215 (R1)
20240125 (R1)

The final chapter asks the question few people can answer: what was it about One Direction that made them such a phenomenon? And could it happen again?

There's no definitive answer but ultimately, it had to be them: Harry, Niall, Louis, Liam and Zayn. Five boys who dreamed of stardom and found it together. In the words of Louis Tomlinson, they were 'normal guys but terrible dancers' and maybe that's what the fandom fell in love with.

In this chapter, Maddie reflects on why One Direction were so important to her as an adolescent - and why the fandom can live forever.

Featuring interviews with Directioners Grace Dumdaw and Olivia Peter, songwriter Savan Kotecha, songwriter Jamie Scott, Vanity Fair's chief critic Richard Lawson, music journalist Michael Cragg and the 1D Historian.

Archive in this episode:

One Direction: This Is Us, TriStar Pictures

Why were One Direction - and their fandom - such a phenomenon?

Why were One Direction - and their fandom - such a phenomenon? And can anyone fill the void they left?

Presenter: Maddie Grace Jepson

Producer: Gráinne Morrison

Written by Gráinne Morrison

Assistant Producer: Zayna Shaikh

Technical Producer: Ant Danbury

BBC Audio Editor: Andy Worrell

Commissioning producers: Jonathan O'Sullivan, Sarah Gosling

Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin

How five boys and one fandom changed things forever.

Episodes

Episode	Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
01	Harry, Niall, Louis, Liam And Zayn	20231117	20231208 (R1) 20240112 (R1)	This chapter details the origin story of One Direction, and the five boys who left home to audition for a TV singing competition and never really went back. Maddie Grace Jepson was 11-years-old when she sat down in front of her family TV and saw them: Harry, Niall, Louis, Liam and Zayn. Nothing would ever be the same. Was it obvious from the start that they were destined for world domination? How did the fandom show their devotion in those early days? Featuring interviews with song writer and X Factor vocal coach, Savan Kotecha and Radio 1 Presenter, Matt Edmondson. Archive in this episode: The X Factor, Series 7, ITV Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Warner Bros. One Direction Video Diaries, The X Factor UK, YouTube. They were more than a band. This is how five boys and one fandom changed things forever They were more than a band, they were everything. This is how five boys and one fandom changed things forever.
02	Everyone Else In The Room Can See It	20231117	20231208 (R1) 20240112 (R1)	A year after their X Factor formation, One Direction were yet to release any music but their fandom was growing everyday. With teenage girls already staying out overnight in the hopes of meeting the boys, maybe they could have released any song as their debut. But they didn't. What Makes You Beautiful was a near perfect pop song - it was an antidote to the beige ballads crowding the charts at the time, and a calling card to teenage girls all around the world. WMYB instantly defined One Direction's career. In this chapter, hear the story of the woman whose hair flip and insecurities inspired it. Featuring interviews with song writer and X Factor vocal coach, Savan Kotecha, Radio 1 presenter Matt Edmondson, music journalist Michael Cragg, Radio 1 presenter/Directioner Danni Diston and journalist/Directioner Haajrah Gilani. Archive in this episode: Scott Mills with One Direction, Radio 1, 10 August 2011. Steve Wright with One Direction, Radio 2, 31 August 2011. The story of a perfect debut single The story of a perfect debut single and the start of a global fan movement
03	How To Be A Directioner	20231117	20231208 (R1) 20240112 (R1)	All respected fandoms have rules but with the dawn of social media sites like Tumblr and Twitter, Directioners had to lead the way for internet fangirls. This wasn't about record sales or concerts, it was about forging a loyal and global community who understood One Direction. This chapter is dedicated to the fans who made One Direction a global phenomenon. Featuring interviews with TikToker, the 1D Historian, Directioners Grace Dumdaw, Danni Diston, Olivia Peter and Haajrah Gilani, music journalist Michael Cragg and editor of the Official Charts Company, Carl Smith. Archive in this episode: Graham Norton discussing Zayn's single strand of hair, The Graham Norton Show, BBC One A guide to joining the most devoted fandom in internet history. This chapter is dedicated to the fans who made One Direction a global phenomenon. Featuring interviews with TikToker the 1D Historian; Directioners Grace Dumdaw, Danni Diston, Olivia Peter and Haajrah Gilani; music journalist Michael Cragg; and editor of the Official Charts Company, Carl Smith.
04	Bigger Than The Beatles?	20231117	20231208 (R1) 20240112 (R1) 20240119 (R1)	From the start, the global response to One Direction immediately inspired comparisons to Beatlemania - but is it fair to compare the two fan movements? The world had changed in countless ways between the 1960s and the 2010s but some things are timeless: boys who sing and have nice hair? They're everything! This chapter details the conversations around One Direction's musical offering compared to a band like the Beatles. Were they ever taken seriously as artists? Something that no one can deny about both fandoms is that they had power. What happened when that power was used for less than amicable purposes? And what happened to the journalists who interacted with the fandom? And who/what was Larry Stylinson? Featuring interviews from Vanity Fair's chief critic Richard Lawson, Official Charts Company editor Carl Smith and One Direction songwriter Jamie Scott. Archive in this episode: The Beatles arriving in London, BBC Radio News Report, 31 October 1963 Paul McCartney, the Wall Street Journal Ringo Starr, Associated Press Ask controversial questions, get controversial answers! The response to One Direction immediately inspired comparisons to Beatlemania - but is it fair to compare the two fan movements?
05	Straight Off The Plane	20231117	20231215 (R1) 20240119 (R1)	Did One Direction peak in 2013? It did feel impossible for any band to be bigger than they were. Maybe we could call it the peak because it came right before - the fall. But this chapter isn't about the end. 2013 saw One Direction release their most grown up and critically acclaimed record yet. This chapter tells the story of how the boys and their team created Midnight Memories, an album that challenged people's perceptions and drew in even more fans. Maddie reminisces about the grown up sound (and its impact on her 13-year-old self). In the same year they also released a film; One Direction: This Is Us was a global media event and an insight into the sacrifices each of the boys had made in order to find this success. They were on the top of the world but it wouldn't (and couldn't) last forever. Featuring interviews with One Direction songwriter, Jamie Scott, the 1D Historian and Directioner Olivia Peter. Archive in this episode: One Direction at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2014, Glasgow One Direction: This Is Us, TriStar Pictures
06	A Normal 22-year-old	20231117	20231215 (R1) 20240119 (R1)	This chapter details the darkest day in the One Direction fandom - one that many see as the official end of the band. Was Zayn telling the truth in his original statement? Did he really just want a normal life? Hearts broke around the world but solace came from the most unexpected people. Featuring interviews with One Direction songwriter Jamie Scott, actor/model/Directioner Grace Dumdaw; the 1D Historian, journalist/Directioner Haajrah Gilani and Radio 1 presenter/Directioner Danni Diston. Archive in this episode: BBC Newsbeat, 25 March 2015 Simon Cowell, The Late Late Show with James Corden, 2015 Zayn Malik, Call Her Daddy, Spotify, 2023 Professor Stephen Hawking, Sydney Opera House's Ideas at the House, 2015 Look what you've done to us, Zayn. It was the beginning of the end - but why did Zayn leave One Direction?
07	Too Much Is Never Enough	20231117	20231215 (R1) 20240125 (R1)	One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus in January 2016. It was a sad time for fans but 1D's end meant Harry, Niall, Louis and Liam could now go off and work on solo music, just like Zayn had already done. . They used to be in 1D, now they were out free (Iif you know, you know). This chapter details the different paths each band member went down in order to redefine themselves as individuals. Unlike other boy bands, none of them faded into pop oblivion. In fact, they all found success as solo artists. But there was one who took the global success of One Direction and turned it into solo career gold: Harry Styles. Featuring interviews with Vanity Fair's chief critic Richard Lawson, music journalist Michael Cragg, the 1D Historian, editor of the Official Charts Company Carl Smith, journalist/Directioner Haajrah Gilani and star of Zayn's music video(!)/Directioner Grace Dumdaw. Archive in this episode: Harry Styles' Monologue, SNL, November 2019 One Direction at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2014, Glasgow Liam Payne with Logan Paul, IMPAULSIVE Podcast, May 2022 This is not the end (it was just a hiatus) Presenter: Maddie Grace Jepson Producer: Gráinne Morrison Written by Gráinne Morrison Assistant Producer: Zayna Shaikh Technical Producer: Ant Danbury BBC Audio Editor: Andy Worrell Commissioning producers: Jonathan O'Sullivan, Sarah Gosling Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin How five boys and one fandom changed things forever.
08	Don't Let It Go	20231117	20231215 (R1) 20240125 (R1)	The final chapter asks the question few people can answer: what was it about One Direction that made them such a phenomenon? And could it happen again? There's no definitive answer but ultimately, it had to be them: Harry, Niall, Louis, Liam and Zayn. Five boys who dreamed of stardom and found it together. In the words of Louis Tomlinson, they were 'normal guys but terrible dancers' and maybe that's what the fandom fell in love with. In this chapter, Maddie reflects on why One Direction were so important to her as an adolescent - and why the fandom can live forever. Featuring interviews with Directioners Grace Dumdaw and Olivia Peter, songwriter Savan Kotecha, songwriter Jamie Scott, Vanity Fair's chief critic Richard Lawson, music journalist Michael Cragg and the 1D Historian. Archive in this episode: One Direction: This Is Us, TriStar Pictures Why were One Direction - and their fandom - such a phenomenon? Why were One Direction - and their fandom - such a phenomenon? And can anyone fill the void they left? Presenter: Maddie Grace Jepson Producer: Gráinne Morrison Written by Gráinne Morrison Assistant Producer: Zayna Shaikh Technical Producer: Ant Danbury BBC Audio Editor: Andy Worrell Commissioning producers: Jonathan O'Sullivan, Sarah Gosling Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin How five boys and one fandom changed things forever.