What This Is Buzz Is About
This Is Buzz examines a largely forgotten MTV series from the 1990s that pioneered an "immersive" approach to television — a format that didn't fit neatly into either music video or documentary categories. The film traces the show's conception, its experimental visual language, and the cultural moment that allowed something so formally unconventional to exist on mainstream cable. Rather than a straightforward nostalgia piece, the documentary appears positioned as a critical reassessment of the show's influence and the artists involved in its creation.
What We Know So Far
According to IMDb, the film is directed and written by Mark Pellington, the filmmaker and music video director known for his work in the 1990s alternative music scene. The documentary runs 102 minutes and is produced by Liza Hughes, Eb George, and Pellington through production companies including Backstroke, Imaginary Film Content, and Kiln Pictures. On-camera participants include William S. Burroughs, The Edge and Adam Clayton of U2, Dennis Hopper, and Mark Pellington himself. The original MTV series featured RuPaul as host — a detail that signals the show's reach across multiple subcultural spheres. Plex reports a planned theatrical release on June 11, 2026, with North American rights handled by Starboard Entertainment. The film premiered at Slamdance earlier in 2026.
Why It's Anticipated
What's striking is that this documentary arrives at a moment when the 1990s are being actively reassessed — not as a discrete decade anymore, but as a source code for contemporary culture. Mark Pellington's involvement carries particular weight; he spent the '90s creating visual language for U2, Nine Inch Nails, and other artists who were themselves pushing boundaries. That he's now examining a TV show that tried to do something similar suggests this won't be a simple "remember when?" exercise.
The presence of William S. Burroughs as a participant is especially intriguing. Burroughs died in 1997, which means footage of him on the original series or speaking about it represents a specific window into late-period Burroughs — a figure whose cultural relevance keeps shifting. The Edge and Adam Clayton's involvement anchors the film in the U2 universe, but also suggests the documentary is exploring how MTV-era artists and thinkers collided on experimental television. Hard to say if the film will argue that Buzz was ahead of its time or simply document a beautiful failure, but either way, there's real cultural archaeology happening here.
Movie OTT will track the film's platform availability as release details crystallize.
Release and Where to Watch
This Is Buzz is set to arrive in theaters on June 11, 2026 — still forthcoming as of this writing. The film is not yet available to stream or purchase. Following its theatrical run, a VOD release is planned for later in 2026, though specific platforms haven't been announced. Check the where-to-watch widget below for updates as distribution details are confirmed. Movie OTT will update this page as soon as streaming availability is locked in.
Frequently asked questions
When is This Is Buzz releasing? The film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 11, 2026 in the United States. A VOD release is expected later that same year.
Is This Is Buzz out yet? No. As of now, the film hasn't been released. It's expected to arrive in cinemas in June 2026.
Where will I be able to watch This Is Buzz? Streaming and VOD platforms haven't been officially announced yet. The film will have a theatrical run first. Check back on Movie OTT for updates on where you'll be able to stream it once those deals are finalized.
Who directed This Is Buzz? Mark Pellington directed and wrote the documentary. He's known for his music video work in the 1990s, including collaborations with U2 and Nine Inch Nails.
What's the runtime? The film runs 102 minutes (1 hour and 42 minutes).
What to Look Forward To
There's something genuinely rare about a documentary that centers on a TV show most people have never heard of — and that's the bet Pellington and his producers are making. If you're curious about 1990s media experimentation, William S. Burroughs' late-period cultural presence, or simply want to understand why some artists keep returning to that decade as a reference point, this one's worth marking your calendar for. June 2026 isn't far off.