Netflix has officially announced an upcoming documentary series centered on the life and legacy of punk rock icon Joey Ramone, the enigmatic frontman of the groundbreaking band The Ramones. Set for release in early 2026, the series promises an in-depth exploration of Joey’s journey from a rebellious Queens teenager to one of punk’s most enduring voices.
Joey Ramone, born Jeffrey Ross Hyman in 1951, became the heart and soul of The Ramones—a band widely credited with pioneering the punk rock movement in the mid-1970s. With his towering frame, leather jackets, and signature dark shades, Joey was a visual and sonic symbol of a generation that craved something raw, loud, and real. The Ramones’ stripped-down sound and high-energy performances set the blueprint for punk music, influencing countless bands across genres and generations.
The untitled series, currently in production, will feature never-before-seen archival footage, personal interviews with family members, former bandmates, and contemporary artists inspired by his legacy. It will chronicle the band’s early days playing CBGB in New York, their explosive rise to fame, and Joey’s battles with OCD, mental health issues, and lymphoma—the disease that ultimately claimed his life in 2001 at the age of 49.
In a statement, Netflix described the series as “an unfiltered, intimate portrait of an artist who revolutionized music and defied expectations.” Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Michael D. Ratner (Justin Bieber: Seasons), the series is being produced in collaboration with the Ramone estate and includes the involvement of Joey’s brother, Mickey Leigh, who authored the 2009 memoir I Slept with Joey Ramone, which will also serve as a narrative foundation.
Fans of The Ramones and newcomers alike can expect the series to highlight Joey’s influence not just musically, but culturally. His voice—urgent and unmistakable—helped turn three-chord songs into anthems, and his lyrics captured the angst, humor, and honesty of youth in a way that still resonates.
The documentary arrives at a time when renewed interest in the history of punk and rock legends is surging, with Netflix leading the charge through its slate of music-focused content. This series is expected to join the ranks of successful documentaries on other music icons and offer a lasting tribute to a man whose contributions continue to echo in today’s music scene.
As punk purists and music lovers await its release, one thing is clear—Joey Ramone’s story, like his music, refuses to be forgotten.
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