TV show we love: The Playlist

This is the story behind that little green app on everyone’s phones – Spotify. The Swedish TV series shows how the streaming platform was created and how it revolutionised the music industry and the way we listen to music.

I will be honest. I didn’t love it at first. Its colour tones are somewhat dark and the way the story was presented wasn’t initially captivating enough to hook me. I was going to quit it but straight after watching the first episode on Netflix, I unconsciously clicked on Spotify to listen to some tunes. The irony, or the reality of how big this platform is, hit me, so I went back to the series. And I am glad I did because nothing prepared me for the final episode.

There are only six in total, about 50 minutes long while each episode is narrated from the point of view of an individual integral to Spotify. The episodes take you back and forth on how the company was created and its many challenges. From hiring employees to work in an underground start-up to getting investors and convincing record labels to offer music rights.

When Spotify was created in Sweden in 2006, pirating and Apple music were at the top of the music game. Spotify was something completely new – for the record labels, the musicians and the listeners. The Netflix show sticks close to reality yet it’s important to keep in mind that it’s still a show. The reason why will become clear to those who finish all six episodes.

At the end of each one, just when you think you’ve got the story straight, a character looks straight into the camera and says something along the lines of “well, that’s not what really happened” and launches you into a new perspective.

This is not the first time a series dives into how big international companies work, the brains behind them and their aftermath. There’s already The Social Network about Facebook (although that’s a movie), WeCrashed on the global co-working space WeWork and now there is one about this green app in your phone, linked to all of your devices.