
Netflix has confirmed the upcoming release of a new multi-part documentary series centered around Paul Westerberg — the legendary frontman of Minneapolis rock band The Replacements and one of alternative music’s most influential songwriters. Titled Unsatisfied: The Paul Westerberg Story, the series is scheduled for release in early 2026.
Known for his raw lyrical honesty, chaotic stage presence, and fiercely independent spirit, Westerberg has long been considered a cult hero — a figure whose influence on American indie and punk rock far exceeds his mainstream recognition. Now, for the first time, his story will be told in full.
Netflix describes the series as “a portrait of an artist who never wanted to play by the rules — and accidentally defined a generation in doing so.” Directed by Allison Anders (Things Behind the Sun), the series explores Westerberg’s childhood in Minnesota, the formation of The Replacements, and their tumultuous rise from underground misfits to reluctant alt-rock pioneers.
The series will feature archival concert footage, home videos, previously unreleased demos, and candid interviews with Westerberg, former bandmates including Tommy Stinson, as well as contemporary artists like Billie Joe Armstrong, Conor Oberst, and Julien Baker — all of whom cite him as a major influence.
Formed in 1979, The Replacements fused punk energy with heartfelt lyricism, producing records like Let It Be, Tim, and Pleased to Meet Me — albums that are now cornerstones of American alternative rock. Westerberg’s songwriting, full of vulnerability, defiance, and regret, struck a chord with a generation disillusioned by pop polish.
Songs like Unsatisfied, Here Comes a Regular, and Can’t Hardly Wait became underground anthems, resonating with fans who saw Westerberg as both a poet and a screw-up — someone real.
Unsatisfied also explores Westerberg’s uneasy relationship with fame, his decision to go solo in the ’90s, and his long periods of reclusion. Unlike many of his peers, he never chased the spotlight — yet his music remains timeless, rediscovered by new generations of listeners.
In a rare on-camera appearance for the series, Westerberg says:
“I always figured if people needed to find me, they’d hear the music first. That was always the truest version of me.”
As Netflix continues its run of deep-dive music documentaries, Unsatisfied: The Paul Westerberg Story promises to be a must-watch for fans of punk, indie, and anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place.
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