**Netflix Officially Announces Multi-Part Documentary Series on the Traveling Wilburys**
In a major announcement that has thrilled music fans around the world, **Netflix** has officially confirmed the upcoming release of a **multi-part documentary series** chronicling the incredible story of one of rock’s most beloved supergroups — the **Traveling Wilburys**. The documentary, titled **“The Traveling Wilburys: Handle With Care”**, is set to debut globally on **August 23, 2025**, and will span **four episodes**, each diving deep into the formation, music, and legacy of the legendary band.
Formed in 1988, the Traveling Wilburys consisted of five musical icons: **George Harrison**, **Bob Dylan**, **Tom Petty**, **Roy Orbison**, and **Jeff Lynne**. Initially starting as an informal collaboration, the group quickly evolved into a powerhouse ensemble that defied industry expectations. Their debut album, *Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1*, remains one of the most acclaimed releases of the late 1980s.
Netflix’s new documentary promises never-before-seen footage, rare recordings, and exclusive interviews with surviving members, family members, collaborators, and music historians. Produced in partnership with **Olivia Harrison**, the **Tom Petty Estate**, and **Jeff Lynne**, the series is being directed by **Morgan Neville**, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind *20 Feet from Stardom* and *Won’t You Be My Neighbor?*
> “The story of the Wilburys is one of spontaneity, friendship, and musical magic,” said Neville. “They weren’t trying to be a supergroup. They were just five friends making music for fun, and in doing so, they captured lightning in a bottle.”
The documentary will explore the serendipitous origin of the group, which began when George Harrison needed a B-side track for a single. That session — featuring Dylan, Petty, Orbison, and Lynne — turned into something far greater. The series will chart the Wilburys’ brief but impactful two-album run (*Vol. 1* in 1988 and *Vol. 3* in 1990), the tragic death of Roy Orbison shortly after their debut, and the continued reverence for their work decades later.
Each episode will focus on a distinct theme:
* **Episode 1**: “End of the Line” – The unexpected birth of the Wilburys.
* **Episode 2**: “Handle With Care” – Recording sessions and behind-the-scenes moments.
* **Episode 3**: “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” – The individual legacies of each member and their unique contributions.
* **Episode 4**: “Heading for the Light” – The enduring legacy and influence on future generations of artists.
In addition to rich archival material, the series will feature commentary from artists like **Paul McCartney**, **Ringo Starr**, **Stevie Nicks**, **Dave Grohl**, and **Brandi Carlile**, all of whom cite the Wilburys as a formative influence.
The release of the documentary comes amid a broader resurgence in interest in late 20th-century rock supergroups, and Netflix is hoping this project will resonate across generations — from those who grew up with the Wilburys to younger audiences discovering them for the first time.
Fans of timeless songwriting, harmony-driven rock, and musical camaraderie won’t want to miss *“The Traveling Wilburys: Handle With Care”* when it premieres this August.
