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Daisy Jones & the Six
Daisy Jones & the Six
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Daisy Jones & the Six
Promotional poster
GenreMusical drama[1][2]
Based onDaisy Jones & the Six
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Developed by
Starring
Opening theme"Dancing Barefoot" by Patti Smith Group
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Josie Craven
  • Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Amanda Kay Price
Running time46–66 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkAmazon Prime Video
ReleaseMarch 3 (2023-03-03) –
March 25, 2023 (2023-03-25)

Daisy Jones & the Six is an American musical drama television miniseries developed by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, based on the 2019 novel of the same name by Taylor Jenkins Reid.[3] Set in the Los Angeles music scene of the 1970s, the series charts the rise and fall of the fictional titular rock band through a documentary style series of interviews with the members and footage of concerts and recording sessions, complete with vocals by series leads Riley Keough and Sam Claflin.[4] Taylor Jenkins Reid was partly inspired by her experiences growing up and watching Fleetwood Mac performances on television.[5] It also stars Camila Morrone, Suki Waterhouse, Will Harrison, Josh Whitehouse, and Sebastian Chacon as the band members.

Daisy Jones & the Six premiered on Amazon Prime Video on March 3, 2023, and received generally positive reviews from critics.[6] It earned multiple nominations at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series, Outstanding Lead Actress for Keough, and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Morrone.[7]

Premise

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Daisy Jones & the Six follows a rock band in the 1970s from their rise in the LA music scene to becoming one of the most famous bands in the world; the series also explores the reason behind the band's split at the height of their success."[a]

Cast and characters

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Main

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Recurring

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Guest

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Episodes

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No.TitleDirected byTeleplay byOriginal release date
1"Track 1: Come and Get It"James PonsoldtScott Neustadter & Michael H. WeberMarch 3, 2023 (2023-03-03)
Twenty years after the dissolution of the famous rock band Daisy Jones & the Six in 1977, its members agree to participate in a documentary about the band's history. Beginning in 1968, the wealthy yet neglected Daisy Jones spends her teenage years at Sunset Strip music clubs and parties. She eventually begins writing her own songs. Meanwhile, in the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, brothers Billy and Graham Dunne form a band called the Dunne Brothers with their friends Eddie Roundtree, Warren Rojas, and Chuck Loving. They find local success, but Chuck eventually leaves for college. Tour manager Rod Reyes advises Billy to move the band to Los Angeles. They do so, along with Billy's girlfriend, Camila Alvarez. Daisy breaks up with a screenwriter who intends to make her his muse. She sings her own song at a nightclub and decides to aim for a music career.
2"Track 2: I'll Take You There"James PonsoldtJenny KleinMarch 3, 2023 (2023-03-03)
In Los Angeles, the Dunne Brothers rent a house in Laurel Canyon, and keyboardist Karen Sirko joins the band. They spend nine months building an audience but struggle to secure a record deal. The band changes its name to the Six. Daisy moves in with aspiring disco singer Simone Jackson and takes a job waitressing. While performing at a club, Daisy attracts the attention of music producer Teddy Price, but she refuses his offer to "shape" her career. After a chance meeting, the Six audition for Teddy, and he signs them. The band records a debut album, and shortly before they embark on a tour, Camila tells Billy that she is pregnant; the pair get married that night. While on tour, Billy descends into drug and alcohol abuse and cheats on Camila with groupies. Although heartbroken, she insists that he be around to support their child. When Camila gives birth, Billy cannot bring himself to see his newborn daughter at the hospital; Teddy takes him to rehab instead. Daisy records her first song and leaves it on Teddy's doorstep as a present.
3"Track 3: Someone Saved My Life Tonight"James PonsoldtNora Kirkpatrick & Will GrahamMarch 3, 2023 (2023-03-03)
Billy, now out of rehab and sober, decides to quit the band in order to be a dedicated father to his infant daughter, Julia. However, he is soon convinced to rejoin the Six. Teddy begins mentoring Daisy, but she struggles to write on demand. Billy writes a new song titled "Look at Us Now (Honeycomb)", and despite the record label rejecting it, Teddy sees its potential. He brings Daisy into the studio to rewrite the song into a duet. Billy is reluctant at first but eventually relents, and the recording session proves successful. Meanwhile, Simone is sexually harassed by a male record producer, but her spirits are lifted when she makes a connection with a woman named Bernie from New York City. Graham pines for Karen, but she resists mixing work with any serious romance.
4"Track 4: I Saw the Light"James PonsoldtStacy TraubMarch 10, 2023 (2023-03-10)
"Look at Us Now (Honeycomb)" becomes a huge hit. The band and Daisy are invited to perform at a music festival in Hawaii, much to Billy's chagrin. Despite him planning to introduce her after the third song to perform their duet, she storms the stage early and receives praise from the audience. Billy, feeling threatened, tells the press that Daisy was a one-time collaborator. Simone learns that the record producer who harassed her took her vocal track and had another performer lip sync to it. Daisy persuades her to move to New York to pursue her music career and be with Bernie. Feeling lonely despite her newfound success, Daisy breaks into her childhood home, is arrested, and is bailed out by Karen. Talks arise of Daisy officially joining the Six, though Billy protests the idea. Camila invites Daisy to a party, and during a blackout, Daisy joins the Six in a musical number with the guests. Shortly before the power returns, Graham kisses Karen, but she kindly rejects his advances. Camila helps Billy see that Daisy is exactly what the Six need to become superstars.
5"Track 5: Fire"James PonsoldtScott NeustadterMarch 10, 2023 (2023-03-10)
Daisy officially becomes a member of the Six, and the band goes into the studio to record their next album. Teddy instructs Billy and Daisy to write together. They initially clash but bond when it is revealed they both had difficult childhoods. Daisy reveals her parents did not tell her that they moved away, which was why she was arrested for breaking into her childhood home. Billy confesses his father was a deadbeat who abandoned the family. They also realize that they make each other better songwriters, but Billy is worried about Daisy's drug usage. As Graham pursues another woman, Karen grows jealous, leading to her and Graham becoming a couple in secret. Billy and Daisy write the song "Let Me Down Easy", which impresses everyone. The other band members appreciate that Daisy has pushed Billy into letting everyone contribute something to the recordings.
6"Track 6: Whatever Gets You Thru the Night"Nzingha StewartCharmaine DeGraté & Will GrahamMarch 10, 2023 (2023-03-10)
The band continues working on their new album, Aurora. Daisy and Billy become increasingly flirtatious, while Camila begins to feel neglected by Billy. Enlisted by Teddy to write an article about the band, Rolling Stone reporter Jonah Berg asks Billy about his and Daisy's relationship, which Billy asserts is not real. When Jonah relays this to Daisy, she is heartbroken and goes on a drug binge while the band is in the studio waiting for her. When Daisy returns to the studio, she is presented with a song Billy wrote about her, "More Fun to Miss", and she and Billy fight over their feelings, leading to a kiss. At the Aurora photoshoot, Billy learns that Daisy informed Jonah about his rehab stint. Karen urges Graham to keep their romance a secret, fearing she will be known merely as his girlfriend. When Daisy writes "Regret Me" about him and convinces the band to record it for the album, Billy divulges Daisy's struggle with addiction to Jonah in exchange for omitting his rehab story. Camila runs into Eddie at a bar; they leave together, and she does not return home until midnight. Daisy, angered by the article, impulsively flies to Greece.
7"Track 7: She's Gone"Will GrahamSusan CoyneMarch 17, 2023 (2023-03-17)
In 1975, in New York City, Simone and club DJ Bernie begin a romance. They also work together, and Simone becomes a successful disco singer on the gay club circuit over the next two years. However, she is afraid to publicly show affection towards Bernie due to them being a lesbian couple. Daisy summons Simone and Bernie to the Greek island of Hydra. There, they find her rushing into marriage with a wealthy Irish nobleman named Nicky Fitzpatrick, who is initially unaware of Daisy's fame as the lead singer of a rock band. Despite making the cover of Rolling Stone, Daisy confesses to Simone that she wants to abandon her career in favor of a new life with Nicky. Simone and Bernie profess their love for each other and dance together at the wedding reception. The day after the wedding, Simone chides Daisy for squandering her talent and being selfish, and the two fight. Nicky, realizing Daisy needs her career to emotionally thrive, accompanies her back to Los Angeles.
8"Track 8: Looks Like We Made It"Nzingha StewartJihan Crowther & Liz KoeMarch 17, 2023 (2023-03-17)
Daisy, with Nicky in tow, reunites with the Six in time for the Aurora tour. She and Billy are still angry at each other over the Rolling Stone article. The tour, managed by Rod Reyes, is so successful that it is expanded. Eddie talks to Camila about their night together, but she does not want to be unfaithful again. After Eddie and Warren tease Graham for not sleeping with groupies, Karen reveals her and Graham's relationship. As the tour continues, Daisy and Nicky increasingly abuse drugs. Billy and Nicky come to blows over the situation. An intoxicated Daisy injures herself on stage but soldiers on and sings "Look at Us Now" a cappella. Billy, who has refused to play the song on tour, storms off. Later that night, Billy and Rod find Daisy overdosed in her hotel suite. While Rod calls a private doctor, Nicky flees the scene before Daisy slowly regains consciousness in Billy's arms.
9"Track 9: Feels Like the First Time"Nzingha StewartJudalina NeiraMarch 24, 2023 (2023-03-24)
Enraged at Nicky's abandonment, Daisy orders him to leave. The Six proceed with the tour and successfully perform at several stops. Daisy cuts back heavily on drug use and reconnects with Billy after admitting she needs help. Karen tells Graham she is pregnant but does not want to keep the baby. After the band performs on Saturday Night Live, Warren begins dating the night's celebrity guest host, and Teddy suffers a heart attack. Meanwhile, Simone is hesitant to sign a record deal as the label expects her to hide her sexuality. Simone rushes to the hospital after hearing of Teddy's heart attack, and she and Daisy make amends. On the band's hometown stop in Pittsburgh, Daisy and Billy confess mutual feelings, but Billy rebuffs the prospect of a relationship out of loyalty to Camila. Camila accompanies Karen to an abortion clinic but subsequently catches Billy and Daisy in an emotionally intimate moment. During the concert, Billy takes one of Eddie's solos. The next day, the group resentfully departs Pittsburgh for Chicago.
10"Track 10: Rock 'n' Roll Suicide"Nzingha StewartHarris DanowMarch 24, 2023 (2023-03-24)
Tensions arise between the members as the band prepares to play a sold-out show in Chicago, unaware that this would be their final performance. Earlier that day, Camila confronts Billy about his feelings for Daisy. Tired of being constantly sidelined, Eddie tells Billy that he is leaving the band and admits his fling with Camila; Billy punches him and begs Camila to come to the show, after which he relapses. Karen admits the abortion to an upset Graham. Before the show, Billy and Daisy kiss, but she is concerned when she realizes he is intoxicated. Graham confesses his love for Karen, who lies to him that she does not reciprocate in order not to keep him from the family life he wishes for. Daisy urges Billy to make amends with Camila before leading a performance of "Look at Us Now" as an encore. The next day, the band goes their separate ways. It is revealed that the documentary interviewer is a grown-up Julia and that Camila had recently died due to a longtime illness. Julia shows Billy and Daisy footage of Camila encouraging them to contact each other. Billy knocks on Daisy's door, and she opens it with a smile.

Production

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Development

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The series was announced on July 25, 2019. The series was adapted for television by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, who serve as executive producers alongside Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter. Taylor Jenkins Reid, the author of the novel, also produces the series. Production companies involved in the series are Hello Sunshine, Circle of Confusion and Amazon Studios.[18]

Casting

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In mid November 2019, it was announced that Riley Keough and Camila Morrone had joined the cast of the series.[19][20][21] In February 2020, Sam Claflin, Suki Waterhouse, Nabiyah Be, Will Harrison, Josh Whitehouse, and Sebastian Chacon joined the cast of the series.[22][23][24] In October 2021, Tom Wright and Jacqueline Obradors were cast in starring and recurring capacity, respectively.[25] The following November, Timothy Olyphant joined the series in a recurring role.[26]

Filming

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The series was originally start to production in April 2020, but postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[27] It began filming in late September 2021 and wrapped in early May 2022 in New Orleans.[28][29]

Music

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The single "Regret Me" from the fictional band in the series, Daisy Jones & the Six, was released on January 25, 2023. The second single "Look at Us Now (Honeycomb)" was released on February 15, 2023. A full-length album, Aurora, was released by Atlantic Records on March 3, 2023.[30] The album's lead vocals were performed by Riley Keough and Sam Claflin. It was composed, performed, and produced by Blake Mills, with additional production by Tony Berg and in collaboration with musicians such as Chris Weisman,[31][32] Jackson Browne, Marcus Mumford, and Phoebe Bridgers.[5][33][34]

Release

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The limited series was released on Amazon Prime Video on March 3, 2023, with the first three episodes available immediately.[35][36] The first episode was shown in US theaters for one night only to Amazon Prime members on March 1, 2023.[37]

Reception

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Critical response

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The performances of Riley Keough and Sam Claflin as Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne, respectively, garnered critical acclaim.

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 69% approval rating with an average rating of 6.7/10, based on 107 critic reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "Daisy Jones & the Six comes up short at evoking the rockstar credentials that were implied on the page, but the lively duet of Riley Keough and Sam Claflin give this adaptation enough verve to occasionally bring the house down."[38] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 62 out of 100 based on 38 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[39]

Critics praised the performances of the ensemble cast and music. Nina Metz of the Chicago Tribune wrote, "Musically, Keough and Claflin are a good match. She has a strong, clear voice that bolsters their harmonies, but he can hold his own too, and they're credible as performers. [Keough] looks at home on stage and finds a way to channel some of [Stevie] Nicks' physicality and flowy-wispy stagewear without mimicking her outright,"[40] while Darren Franich of Entertainment Weekly commented Keough "excels at self-destructive self-confidence".[41]

Reviews were critical of the show's pacing, writing, and documentary framing device. Writing for Vulture, Roxana Hadadi said, "For all the series' delights—the chemistry between Sam Claflin and Riley Keough, the constant scene-stealing by Camila Morrone, the fizziness of the original songs—there's an unignorable smallness throughout ... The series shrinks Reid's novel (partially inspired by the infamously stormy relationship between Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham) into a claustrophobic love triangle mostly uninterested in looking beyond its three points, and indifferent to the paranoia and exhilaration of the 1970s. Creative process is recurrently pushed aside for romantic pining, and there's no imagination for artistic motivation past jealousy and lust."[42] Hadadi opined "the series' best scenes are the ones that plunge into how they developed their sound, wrote their songs, and complemented or challenged each other."[42]

Others lamented the underdevelopment of the other band members as characters. Metz wrote, "The series is primarily the Billy and Daisy show, with the other members of the band relegated to supporting status, including Suki Waterhouse as a character based on Christine McVie. While the keyboard can clearly be heard on the tracks, the character's actual musical contributions are rendered invisible."[40] Metz added, "That's part of the fun of going behind the scenes. What does creative collaboration look like? Is it too boring to film? Maybe. But I would argue Peter Jackson's 2021 Get Back, the documentary made from old footage of The Beatles working on their final album, suggests the opposite."[40] She conceded "the episodes have a cumulative power, even if the storytelling often feels like it's cutting corners rather than digging in".[40]

Coralie Kraft of The New Yorker admired Keough's performance, but disparaged the titular character of Daisy Jones and her relationship with Billy Dunne. Kraft describes Daisy as a "depressingly one-dimensional" character akin to the Manic Pixie Dream Girl archetype: "A sexually liberated woman, she exists as a foil to male responsibility: she'll teach Billy the value of an unfettered approach while also instructing him in the risks of his own desires. He is drawn to her because she helps him understand himself. She is the caretaker of his catharsis and little else". Kraft ultimately concludes, saying: "For all its posturing about Daisy's independence and creative drive, Daisy Jones is myopically obsessed with the will-they-won't-they dynamic between Daisy and her tortured paramour, and within that dynamic, Billy retains all the power; the show's dramatic fulcrum rests on his decisions".[43]

TVLine gave Keough an honorable mention as the "Performer of the Week" for the eighth episode "Track 8: Looks Like We Made It", writing "Keough's Daisy was a captivating mix of blazing passion and tragic insecurities. What made the actress' portrayal even more impressive was that she packed those complicated emotions into multiple song numbers in which Daisy's state of mind broke down a bit more with each stop in the band's tour".[44]

For the final episode "Track 10: Rock 'n' Roll Suicide", Claflin also received an honorable mention. TVLine praised Claflin's "heartachingly vulnerable" performance and his ability to "switch to wild abandon as Billy [embraces] his worst qualities, falling into booze and oozing recklessness on stage with Daisy".[45]

Accolades

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Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards Best Performance in a Show Riley Keough Nominated [46][47]
Best Kiss Riley Keough and Sam Claflin Nominated
Best Musical Moment "Look at Us Now (Honeycomb)" Nominated
Golden Trailer Awards Best Drama for a TV/Streaming Series (Trailer/Teaser/TV Spot) "Look at Us Now" (Project X/AV) Nominated [48]
Best WildPosts for a TV/Streaming Series Daisy Jones & the Six (The Refinery) Nominated
Hollywood Creative Alliance TV Awards Best Streaming Limited or Anthology Series Daisy Jones & the Six Nominated [49]
Best Actor in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Sam Claflin Nominated
Best Actress in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Riley Keough Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Timothy Olyphant Nominated
Best Supporting Actress in a Streaming Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Camila Morrone Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series Daisy Jones & the Six Nominated [50][51]
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Riley Keough Nominated
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Camila Morrone Nominated
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Period or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More) Jessica Kender, Brian Grego, Lisa Clark, and Andi Brittan (for "Track 10: Rock 'n' Roll Suicide") Nominated
Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Justine Arteta, Kim Davis-Wagner Nominated
Outstanding Period Costumes Denise Wingate, Derek Sullivan (for "Track 8: Looks Like We Made It") Won
Outstanding Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) Rebecca Wachtel, Sherri Simmons, RJ McCasland, Kim Perrodin, Darla Edin (for "Track 10: Rock 'n' Roll Suicide") Nominated
Outstanding Music Supervision Frankie Pine (for "Track 8: Looks Like We Made It") Nominated
Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Lindsay Alvarez, Mathew Waters, Chris Welcker, Mike Poole (for "Track 10: Rock 'n' Roll Suicide") Won
Set Decorators Society of America Awards Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Television Movie or Limited Series Lisa Clark, Andi Brittan, Jessica Kender Won [52]
Television Critics Association Awards Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Miniseries or Specials Daisy Jones & the Six Nominated [53]
Celebration of Cinema and Television Breakthrough Actress – Television Camila Morrone Won [54]
2024 Art Directors Guild Awards Excellence in Production Design for a Television Movie or Limited Series Jessica Kender Nominated [55]
Artios Awards Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Limited Series Justine Arteta, Kim Davis-Wagner, Makis Gazis, Jane Flowers Nominated [56]
Cinema Audio Society Awards Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for Non-Theatrical Motion Pictures or Limited Series Chris Welcker, Lindsey Alvarez, Mathew Waters, Mike Poole, Chris Navarro, James B. Howe (for "Track 10: Rock n' Roll Suicide") Nominated [57]
Costume Designers Guild Awards Excellence in Period Television Denise Wingate (for "Track 8: Looks Like We Made It") Nominated [58]
Directors Guild of America Awards Outstanding Directing – Miniseries or Movies for Television Nzingha Stewart (for "Track 10: Rock 'n' Roll Suicide") Nominated [59]
Grammy Awards Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media AURORA Nominated [60]
Golden Globe Awards Best Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film Daisy Jones & The Six Nominated [61]
Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film Riley Keough Nominated
Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film Sam Claflin Nominated
Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Limited Series Daisy Jones & the Six Nominated [62]
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television Camila Morrone Nominated
Golden Reel Awards Outstanding Achievement in Music Editing – Broadcast Long Form Amber Funk, Mike Poole (for "Track 10: Rock 'n' Roll Suicide") Nominated [63]
Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards Best Period and/or Character Make-Up in a Television Series, Limited, Miniseries, or Movie for Television Rebecca Wachtel, RJ McCasland, Sherri Simmons, Michele Tyminski Schoenbach Nominated [64]
Hollywood Creative Alliance Creative Arts TV Awards Best Casting in a Limited Series or TV Movie Daisy Jones & the Six Nominated [49]
Best Original Song "Look at Us Now" Nominated
"The River" Nominated
Producers Guild of America Awards David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited or Anthology Series Television Daisy Jones & the Six Nominated [65]
USC Scripter Awards Best Adapted Screenplay – Television Scott Neustadter (for "Track 5: Fire") Nominated [66]
Women's Image Network Awards Outstanding Made For Television Movie / Limited Series Daisy Jones & The Six Nominated
Outstanding Actress Made For Television Movie / Limited Series Riley Keough Won
Writers Guild of America Awards Limited Series Susan Coyne, Jihan Crowther, Harris Danow, Charmaine DeGraté, Will Graham, Nora Kirkpatrick, Jenny Klein, Liz Koe, Judalina Neira, Scott Neustadter, Stacy Traub, Michael H. Weber Nominated [67]

Audience viewership

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Within hours of release, Daisy Jones & the Six hit No. 1 on Amazon Prime Video's Top 10 list in the U.S.[68] According to Parrot Analytics' data, the series had an "impressive" 49% increase in demand and became the fourth-most streamed TV series across all U.S. platforms.[69]

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Daisy Jones & the Six is a novel by American author , presented as an that chronicles the meteoric rise and abrupt 1979 disbandment of a fictional rock band of the same name during the music scene. The story centers on the band's formation by brothers Billy and Graham Dunne, their evolution into a major act after incorporating charismatic Daisy Jones, and the interpersonal tensions—including romance, addiction, and creative clashes—that lead to their split at the peak of fame following a sold-out Chicago concert. (The 2023 TV adaptation shifts the disbandment to 1977.) Published on March 5, 2019, by , the book draws inspiration from real 1970s rock groups like , blending fictional narratives with authentic period details on the music industry, drug culture, and gender dynamics in rock. It became a commercial success, topping bestseller lists and earning praise for its immersive format and vivid portrayal of fame's toll, while also serving as a pick. The novel was adapted into a ten-episode musical drama miniseries for , created by and Will Graham, which premiered on March 3, 2023. Starring as the free-spirited Daisy Jones and as the disciplined Billy Dunne, the series recreates the band's story with original songs composed by and others, capturing the era's rock aesthetic through performances and behind-the-scenes drama. It received critical acclaim for its casting, soundtrack, and nostalgic vibe, earning nine Emmy nominations including for Outstanding Limited or .

Background and premise

Novel origins and adaptation

Daisy Jones & the Six is a novel written by and published on March 5, 2019, by , an imprint of . Presented in an format through fictional interviews with band members and associates, the book chronicles the formation, success, and dissolution of a fictional rock band. Reid drew inspiration from the real-life interpersonal tensions within , particularly a charged 1997 live performance of "Silver Springs" featuring and Lindsey Buckingham, which captured the emotional intensity of ex-partners collaborating onstage. The novel achieved widespread critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of rock 'n' roll excess and became a New York Times bestseller, remaining on the list for multiple weeks. Prior to the novel's release, Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine acquired the rights in a pre-publication deal. In July 2018, Amazon Studios announced a straight-to-series order for a 13-episode limited series, with and —known for writing The Disaster Artist—penning the pilot script. Reid joined as an to ensure fidelity to her source material, collaborating closely with the creative team. A pivotal creative decision in the adaptation process was transforming the novel's static structure into a dynamic mockumentary-style format for television, interweaving present-day interview segments with dramatized flashbacks to depict the band's interpersonal conflicts and professional trajectory. This approach, as explained by s Neustadter and Weber, allowed the series to visually evoke the immediacy of a music documentary while expanding on the book's episodic interview style. Early development advanced with Amazon's full commitment, when Will Graham signed on in 2019 to oversee the project amid subsequent pandemic-related delays.

Story premise and themes

Daisy Jones & the Six is a limited that chronicles the rise and abrupt dissolution of a fictional rock band in the music scene, framed as a exploring the events leading to their 1977 breakup after a pivotal concert in . The narrative centers on the band's formation as The Six, a group of young musicians from who relocate to LA seeking fame, and their evolution into Daisy Jones & the Six following the integration of the enigmatic Daisy Jones, culminating in the creation of their breakthrough album Aurora. The series delves into major themes such as the corrosive effects of fame, which strain personal relationships and fuel destructive behaviors within the group; romantic tensions that intertwine with creative partnerships, highlighting the between professional and emotional entanglement; as a pervasive force undermining individual and collective stability; gender dynamics in the male-dominated rock world, where female artists navigate and assert their ; and the complexities of artistic , where inspiration clashes with ego and insecurity. These elements underscore the human cost of stardom, portraying rock 'n' roll as both a liberating and ruinous pursuit. Employing a format inspired by the novel's style, the blends dramatized reenactments of the band's performances and backstage life with fictional interviews conducted decades later, evoking the intimate, confessional tone of documentaries like . This structure traces the high-level arc from humble beginnings and mounting success to internal fractures and the band's implosion, offering a layered examination of how ambition and vulnerability propel and ultimately dismantle musical legacies.

Cast and characters

Main cast and roles

portrays Daisy Jones, the free-spirited whose raw talent and tumultuous personal life propel the band's rise to fame. To prepare for the role, Keough, who had limited prior singing experience, underwent extensive vocal training, working with coaches to develop her belting technique and stage presence from scratch. Her performance drew inspiration from iconic artists including , , and , capturing Daisy's blend of vulnerability and defiance. Sam Claflin stars as Billy Dunne, the charismatic yet flawed band leader who grapples with leadership pressures and personal demons. Claflin's approach to the character was influenced by Lindsey Buckingham's creative intensity and Mick Fleetwood's rhythmic foundation within Fleetwood Mac's dynamic, reflecting Billy's role as the group's driving force. Portraying Billy's addiction presented significant challenges for Claflin, who drew on research into 1970s substance abuse to deliver a nuanced depiction of recovery and relapse, describing the process as therapeutic amid his own life transitions. Josh Whitehouse plays Eddie Roundtree, the bassist and founding member of the band whose quiet loyalty often places him in the shadow of Billy's ambitions. The English actor, known for roles in Poldark and Northern Soul, infused Eddie with tenderness and empathy, drawing from his own musical background to highlight the character's emotional undercurrents. Sebastian Chacon embodies Warren Rojas, the affable and optimistic whose easygoing nature provides levity amid the band's tensions. As a Colombian-American actor from New York, Chacon consciously incorporated Latino cultural elements into Warren, emphasizing the character's kindness and resilience in a high-stakes rock environment. Will Harrison depicts Graham Dunne, Billy's younger brother and the band's lead guitarist, whose and personal growth underscore the group's familial bonds. Harrison, a 2019 graduate of with prior credits in Madam Secretary and short films, brought authenticity to Graham's arc of seeking independence within the band dynamic. Suki Waterhouse assumes the role of Karen Sirko, the keyboardist whose feminist independence and romantic entanglements add depth to the band's interpersonal conflicts. The English actress and model, who began her career as a teenager, channeled her musical talents to portray Karen's confident, trailblazing presence on stage and off. To achieve authenticity, the —including Keough, Claflin, Whitehouse, Chacon, Harrison, and Waterhouse—underwent an intensive musical boot camp spanning six months of instrument lessons, vocal rehearsals, and song development. This preparation culminated in a private concert performance of the fictional album Aurora for nearly 100 industry attendees before principal filming began, fostering genuine band chemistry that mirrored the on-screen romantic tensions between key members.

Supporting and guest cast

Camila Morrone portrays Camila Dunne, the wife of band leader Billy Dunne and the group's unofficial photographer, whose emotional arc centers on balancing her artistic pursuits with the personal toll of the band's rock 'n' roll lifestyle, including Billy's struggles with and . Morrone prepared for the role by conducting chemistry reads with leads and to capture the complex family dynamics at the story's heart. Tom Wright plays Teddy Price, the seasoned music who discovers and mentors The Six, providing guidance on songwriting and strategy while serving as a stabilizing amid the band's internal chaos. Wright drew inspiration for the character from prominent record producers such as , , and , infusing Price with their authoritative yet nurturing presence in the industry. Among the recurring supporting performers, recurs as Simone Jackson, Daisy's loyal friend and a rising disco artist whose storyline highlights themes of identity and ambition in the New York club scene, appearing prominently in episodes like "Track 4: I Saw the Light" and the Simone-focused "Track 7: ." Be's portrayal adds depth to the series by showcasing Simone's supportive role in Daisy's personal crises and her own professional triumphs, contributing to the narrative's exploration of friendship and resilience. Timothy Olyphant guest-stars as Rod Reyes, the band's no-nonsense tour manager who navigates logistical challenges and interpersonal tensions during their rise to fame, delivering satirical jabs at the exploitative side of the music business in key episodes such as "Track 8: ." The supporting cast enhances the series' authenticity through diverse representation in music industry roles, including Latino performers like Morrone and Black actors such as Be and Wright, reflecting a broader tapestry of 1970s Los Angeles scene participants beyond the core band.

Production

Development and writing

The development of the television miniseries Daisy Jones & the Six began in 2018 when Amazon Studios acquired the rights to Taylor Jenkins Reid's 2019 novel through a competitive bidding process led by Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine. Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, known for their work on films like 500 Days of Summer and The Disaster Artist, were brought on to adapt the book, penning the scripts and serving as executive producers, with Will Graham joining as showrunner. The novel's structure, presented as a series of fictional oral history interviews, was reimagined as a 10-episode mockumentary-style narrative to suit the visual medium, with Reid serving as a consulting producer to ensure fidelity to her original vision. Executive production was overseen by a team including Witherspoon, her producing partner Lauren Neustadter, Brad Mendelsohn, Will Graham, and , who collectively guided the project's creative and logistical direction under Amazon Studios. This collaborative oversight emphasized expanding the source material's interpersonal dynamics while maintaining its core emotional authenticity, with the series positioned as a high-budget prestige drama. The scripting process involved a significant overhaul to balance loyalty to the with necessary expansions for television, such as developing additional subplots to deepen character relationships and the rock scene's atmosphere. Production faced delays due to the , postponing the planned 2020 start of filming until 2021, which unexpectedly allowed more time for script refinements and pre-production planning. Thematically, the writers incorporated social issues, particularly women's roles in the male-dominated , through authentic portrayals that avoided modern anachronisms. For instance, storylines explored dynamics via characters like Daisy and bandmate Karen, highlighting their professional struggles and personal agency, while Simone's arc addressed intersections of race, sexuality, and genre barriers in and rock without imposing contemporary perspectives. This approach drew from historical and consultations to reflect the era's complexities, such as limited reproductive choices post-Roe v. Wade and the rarity of female band members.

Casting and filming

The casting process for Daisy Jones & the Six began in late 2019, with announced as the lead Daisy Jones on November 18, 2019. joined as Billy Dunne in February 2020, marking the start of assembling the core band ensemble. Additional casting announcements continued into 2021, including open calls for supporting roles to broaden the talent pool beyond established actors. A major challenge was identifying performers who could convincingly act, sing, and play instruments, as the series required authentic musical integrated into the narrative. Casting directors Justine Arteta and Kim Davis-Wagner conducted extensive auditions, prioritizing chemistry reads and musical tests; many actors, including those without prior experience, were selected after demonstrating potential during these sessions. To prepare, the cast participated in a six-month "band camp" starting in mid-2020 (delayed by the ), where they received intensive training on guitar, , keyboards, and vocals, rehearsing original songs composed for the show. Principal photography began in September 2021 and spanned two blocks—September to December 2021 and February to May 2022—primarily in Los Angeles, with later scenes shot in New Orleans to stand in for various U.S. locales. The production emphasized period accuracy through practical sets, recreating iconic 1970s Sunset Strip venues like the Whisky a Go Go and the Viper Room, as well as Hollywood recording studios such as Sound City, to immerse viewers in the era's rock scene. COVID-19 protocols were rigorously enforced throughout filming, including masking, testing, and remote rehearsals via Zoom during early delays. Production faced disruptions when tested positive mid-shoot, forcing reshoots of musical sequences; one notable instance involved dismantling and rebuilding a custom-built set after his diagnosis prevented filming a key performance scene. James Ponsoldt directed the first five episodes, adopting a verité style for the interview segments to capture raw, conversational authenticity, often encouraging loose, improvisational delivery from the actors to mimic real oral histories. This approach complemented the series' blend of scripted and live musical numbers, with the remaining episodes helmed by (four episodes) and Will Graham (one episode).

Music and soundtrack

Original compositions

The original compositions for Daisy Jones & the Six were crafted to emulate the raw energy and emotional depth of rock, with music supervisor leading the production of 24 new songs performed by the cast as the fictional band. Mills, alongside co-producer , oversaw the creation of these tracks, drawing heavily from the interpersonal drama and musical style of Mac's Rumours era to infuse the series' with authentic period tension. Lyrics for the songs were primarily adapted from Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel, where she penned verses reflecting the band's internal conflicts, such as romantic rivalries and creative clashes, with additional contributions from Mills, Berg, and collaborators including , , and to heighten the dramatic authenticity. Key tracks like "Regret Me," a brooding anthem of heartbreak sung by as Daisy Jones, and "Look at Us Now," a harmonious yet strained highlighting the group's fragile unity, exemplify how the compositions mirrored real dynamics. These elements were designed not just as background score but as integral storytelling devices, evolving from folk-tinged ballads to electrified rock anthems as the band's fictional career progressed. The recording process emphasized immersion and realism, beginning with intensive band boot camps where the actors learned to play instruments and sing under the guidance of Mills and Berg, culminating in a full live concert performance of the album Aurora before principal filming to build chemistry. On set, the cast delivered live vocals during musical sequences to capture spontaneous energy, while studio sessions at Sound City Studios incorporated real session musicians on bass, drums, and keyboards for layered authenticity. To achieve the warm, gritty timbre of 1970s recordings, the team utilized vintage instruments like Fender Stratocasters and Rhodes pianos, along with analog tape machines and period amplifiers, avoiding modern digital polish to evoke the era's organic sound.

Album release and impact

The soundtrack album Aurora, featuring original songs inspired by 1970s rock, was released on March 3, 2023, by in conjunction with the . The debuted at No. 1 on the Soundtracks chart and topped the Emerging Artists chart, marking the first time a fictional band achieved such commercial success. By late 2023, tracks from Aurora had amassed nearly 300 million global streams, reflecting widespread listener engagement. Additional releases extended the album's reach, including the single "Look at Us Now (Honeycomb)," which debuted on February 15, 2023, accompanied by an official lyric video featuring the cast. A deluxe edition followed in May 2023 with previously unreleased tracks, and a version arrived in December 2023, incorporating further fan-favorite content and collaborations. These efforts, including music videos and live-recorded versions like "Aurora (Live from SNL)," sustained momentum post-release. The album's impact extended to critical recognition, earning a 2024 Grammy Award nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Its authentic 1970s sound influenced broader cultural trends, contributing to a revival of aesthetics in the 2020s by inspiring fans to explore similar retro-infused genres through dedicated playlists and live event tie-ins. Promotional activities, such as the cast's appearance at SXSW 2023, amplified this resonance by fostering direct audience interaction.

Episodes

Overall structure and summaries

Daisy Jones & the Six is a limited television series comprising 10 episodes, with each installment running between 46 and 66 minutes. The series premiered on Prime Video on March 3, 2023, releasing the first three episodes that day, followed by episodes 4 through 6 on March 10, episodes 7 and 8 on March 17, and episodes 9 and 10 on March 24. This batch-release format allowed viewers to follow the band's story in escalating segments over four weeks, building anticipation for the complete narrative. The series employs a documentary-style framing device, interspersing present-day interviews with the surviving band members as they recount the events of their heyday, creating a reflective that drives the storytelling. The overall structure divides into three primary narrative arcs without revealing specific resolutions: episodes 1–3 center on the formation of the and the early lives of its members amid the rock scene; episodes 4–7 trace their rise to prominence, including the collaborative recording of their breakthrough album Aurora; and episodes 8–10 explore the intensifying conflicts during their major tour, culminating in a landmark performance at Chicago's . This progression highlights escalating interpersonal drama among the group, particularly tensions between lead figures Billy Dunne and Daisy Jones, as their personal ambitions and relationships intersect with professional milestones. The pacing blends high-energy sequences with intimate personal vignettes, alternating between musical performances that capture the era's rock energy and quieter moments of character introspection to maintain a rhythmic flow across the season. Key non-spoiler elements include the band's evolving dynamics through fame's pressures and pivotal musical achievements, such as the Aurora sessions, which underscore themes of and .

Episode-specific production notes

The pilot episode, directed by , featured extensive casting of background performers to populate the early scenes depicting the band's initial gigs, with extras coordinator Louis Verdi handling selections across the season to evoke the bustling 1970s music scene. Initial interview setups established the documentary-style framing device, utilizing custom-built modern interiors designed by production designer Jessica Kender to contrast the period flashbacks while maintaining narrative intimacy. Episode 6, "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night," directed by and shot primarily in New Orleans, involved intricate set builds for the sequences at a recreated Sound City facility, where the production team modernized the existing location's lobby and walls with vintage fabrics and acoustic paneling to replicate the 1970s recording environment authentically. Cinematographer Jeff Cutter employed shallow depth-of-field techniques and period lighting to capture the confined, creative intensity of these sessions. The series finale, Episode 10 "," directed by Will Graham, centered on staging the climactic Chicago concert at a built set replicating , constructed over five days at in New Orleans with a custom stage and pyrotechnic elements integrated into the performance rigging for dramatic effect. relied on extensions to amplify the stadium's scale without on-site audiences, enhancing the era's rock spectacle. Directorial duties rotated among for the first five episodes, for episodes six through nine, and Will Graham for the tenth, allowing varied visual approaches to the band's arc from formation to dissolution. incorporated for crowd augmentation in large venues and a custom LUT developed by colorist Stefan Sonnenfeld to achieve a warm, golden palette with heightened realism, including Super 8 scans for personal footage to bolster period authenticity.

Release and marketing

Premiere and distribution

Daisy Jones & the Six held its world premiere screening at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on February 23, 2023, attended by the cast including Riley Keough and Sam Claflin, as well as producers Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on March 3, 2023, with a global rollout available in over 200 countries and territories. Episodes were released in batches weekly on Fridays: the first three on March 3, followed by three more on March 10, two on March 17, and the final two on March 24, completing the 10-episode limited series. Internationally, the series was accessible on Prime Video in regions such as the and , supported by subtitles in multiple languages including , Chinese, and Spanish, along with dubbed audio tracks in select markets.

Promotional efforts

Prime Video initiated the promotional campaign for Daisy Jones & the Six with the release of an official teaser trailer on January 25, 2023, which provided the first glimpse of the cast portraying the 1970s rock band and featured an original song, "Regret Me," performed by the fictional group. The full official trailer followed on February 15, 2023, showcasing more footage of the band's rise and internal dynamics, along with another original track, "Look at Us Now (Honeycomb)," to build anticipation for the March premiere. Additional social media clips highlighted cast members in character, such as Riley Keough as Daisy Jones and Sam Claflin as Billy Dunne, simulating live band performances to immerse fans in the era's rock aesthetic. The cast engaged in a series of promotional interviews and appearances to generate media buzz. , who plays Camila Dunne, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on February 24, 2023, discussing her role and sharing anecdotes from the production. The ensemble, including Keough, Claflin, , and others, participated in a panel at (SXSW) on March 11, 2023, moderated by Josh Horowitz, where they explored the series' musical elements and teased potential live performances by the "band." These events, combined with press tours featuring vintage-inspired outfits, emphasized the show's thematic ties to rock culture without revealing plot spoilers. Merchandise efforts replicated the band's fictional branding to enhance fan engagement. Official items included vinyl editions of the soundtrack album Aurora, released via , capturing the deluxe tracks from the series. Band tees and apparel, designed with retro logos and tour motifs, were available through Amazon's dedicated store and partners like Merchbar, allowing fans to adopt the group's aesthetic. Cross-promotions integrated the series with music streaming platforms to amplify its rock . Prime Video partnered with to launch official , such as the "Daisy Jones & The Six: Official " and "Official ," featuring all original compositions and era-inspired tracks to stream ahead of and during the release. These initiatives tied into broader efforts, including the fictional Ellemar Records website, which hosted band lore and audio content to deepen immersion without plot details.

Reception

Critical response

Daisy Jones & the Six received generally positive reviews from critics, earning a Tomatometer score of 70% on based on 105 reviews. On , the series holds a score of 62 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews" from 38 critics. It also garnered an average rating of 8.1 out of 10 on from over 44,000 users as of November 2025. Critics widely praised the series for its authentic evocation of the rock scene, capturing the era's atmosphere through detailed production design and a compelling . Performances by as Daisy Jones and as Billy Dunne were frequently highlighted as standout elements, with Keough's portrayal noted for its raw intensity and Claflin's for its emotional nuance in depicting internal conflicts. The original music, composed to mimic Mac-inspired rock, was described as infectious and integral to the narrative's energy, enhancing the show's immersive quality. However, some reviewers pointed to pacing issues, particularly in the later episodes, where the documentary-style structure occasionally slowed the momentum and flattened character development. The handling of addiction themes was criticized as superficial, using drugs as shorthand for conflict without deeper exploration. In The New York Times, Mike Hale commended the series for its nostalgic blend of music and melodrama, effectively channeling 1970s rock romance despite some reliance on soap-opera tropes. Variety's Caroline Framke offered a mixed assessment, praising the leads' chemistry and tuneful score but noting a lack of emotional depth in exploring the band's interpersonal dynamics.

Audience reception and viewership

Daisy Jones & the Six rapidly achieved significant viewership success upon its March 2023 premiere on Prime Video, topping the platform's U.S. Top 10 TV show list within 24 hours and maintaining strong performance throughout its run. According to Nielsen data, the series amassed 334 million minutes viewed in the U.S. during the week of March 20-26, 2023, securing a spot in the top 10 original streaming series for that period. Parrot Analytics reported exceptionally high audience demand, with the show ranking as a top breakout title in late February and early March 2023, reflecting its immediate global appeal across 100 markets. These metrics underscored the series' scale, particularly as a limited event, driving over 40 times the average TV demand in the U.S. during peak weeks. Audience reception was overwhelmingly positive among fans, who celebrated the series for its empowering portrayal of female leads, especially Riley Keough's charismatic and resilient Daisy Jones, often highlighting themes of independence and artistic ambition in the male-dominated rock world. engagement was robust, with the #DaisyJones trending worldwide and generating millions of interactions on platforms like and , where users shared reactions to , , and . However, some viewers expressed criticisms regarding historical inaccuracies, such as anachronistic depictions of recording technology and social dynamics in the era's , which they felt diluted the authenticity despite the show's fictional basis. The series' popularity contributed to broader streaming impact for Prime Video, enhancing platform engagement and attracting new subscribers, particularly through its viral soundtrack that blended real and fictional tracks to appeal to . By mid-2023, dedicated fan campaigns emerged, including online petitions and drives urging a second season focused on a band reunion, amassing hundreds of signatures initially, with cast members expressing verbal support for continuation. By 2025, renewed interest led to new fan petitions amassing over 5,000 signatures. Demographically, it resonated strongly with viewers aged 18-34, including Gen Z audiences drawn to its nostalgic yet modern take on rock culture, while also crossing over to older music enthusiasts via the era-inspired performances and release. The positive further amplified its grassroots popularity, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.

Accolades and legacy

Awards and nominations

Daisy Jones & the Six garnered significant recognition from major awards bodies, earning 10 wins and 47 nominations across various ceremonies through 2024. At the in 2023, the series received nine nominations, including for Outstanding Limited or , Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or or Movie (), and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or or Movie (). It secured one win for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited or or Movie, highlighting the production's technical achievements in audio integration for its music-heavy narrative. The series fared well at the in 2024, earning three nominations: Best Television Limited or Anthology Series, in a Limited Series, or (), and in a Limited Series, or (). In the television categories at the in 2024, Daisy Jones & the Six was nominated for Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for (), as well as Best Ensemble Cast in a Limited Series or Movie Made for . Music supervisor Frankie Pine won the Guild of Music Supervisors Award in 2024 for Best Music Supervision – Television Comedy or Musical, recognizing her role in curating and integrating the series' original songs and period soundtrack. The soundtrack album Aurora received a nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media at the 68th Annual , announced in November 2025.

Cultural impact and future developments

The series Daisy Jones & the Six has significantly revived interest in 1970s , fueling a cultural resurgence of the era's sound and style through its immersive portrayal of a fictional band's rise and fall. The narrative's exploration of interpersonal tensions within a rock group has drawn frequent comparisons to real-life bands like , particularly the dynamics between and Lindsey Buckingham, which served as a key inspiration for author Reid's original novel. This renewed fascination has manifested in trends that echo the bohemian, eclectic aesthetics of the period, with viewers and influencers adopting flowing dresses, fringe details, and layered jewelry reminiscent of the show's costumes. The accompanying soundtrack, featuring original songs performed by the cast, achieved commercial success by topping charts and earning Grammy nominations. Stevie Nicks, whose career and personal history heavily influenced the series, has publicly endorsed Daisy Jones & the Six and actively engaged with its potential future. In October 2024, Nicks pitched a storyline idea for a second season directly to executive producer and lead actress , who responded positively and described it as a concept they "loved." This involvement underscores Nicks' appreciation for the show's homage to 1970s rock dynamics, including the romantic and professional entanglements that mirror her own experiences with . As of late 2025, discussions around expanding the Daisy Jones & the Six universe have gained momentum, tied to broader cultural revivals in rock history. In October 2025 interviews, (who played Billy Dunne) expressed optimism about a potential renewal, revealing recent conversations with and author about reuniting the cast. This enthusiasm aligns with the August 2025 reissue of the album, the 1973 duo project by Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham that shares thematic parallels with the series' exploration of creative partnerships and breakups, reigniting interest in their pre-Fleetwood Mac era. Keough echoed this positivity in a June 2025 discussion, sharing favorable thoughts on Nicks' season 2 pitch and the possibilities for continuing the story. Despite these developments, no official for a second season has been announced by November 2025, though executive discussions at and Hello Sunshine remain ongoing. Potential narratives could focus on the characters' post-breakup lives, delving into their individual trajectories after the band's 1979 dissolution, as hinted in cast and creator comments.

References

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