Netflix has officially acquired DEVO, the highly anticipated documentary about the pioneering art-punk band, as part of a new six-film licensing deal. Directed by Chris Smith (Jim & Andy, Fyre), DEVO premiered at Sundance 2024 to rave reviews and will debut globally on Netflix starting August 19. The film charts the band’s revolutionary music, visual art, and philosophy of de-evolution, which arose from the political and cultural unrest of the 1970 Kent State shootings.

The DEVO documentary explores the band’s formation, rise to fame with hits like “Whip It,” and their lasting cultural impact across music, art, and activism. With rare archival footage, interviews, and deep insights into DEVO’s vision, the film promises to be a definitive look at one of the most innovative and subversive bands of the 20th century.

Netflix’s deal, which gives DEVO and five other documentaries “Netflix Original” status in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, comes at a crucial time for the documentary market. With traditional distribution pipelines shrinking, especially for politically and culturally bold films, this deal ensures these powerful stories reach global audiences. Outside English-speaking territories, the films will be available non-exclusively.

Joining DEVO in this curated slate are:

• The White House Effect by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk (Oct 31), exploring missed opportunities to stop the climate crisis

• In Waves and War (Nov 3), also by Cohen and Shenk, focusing on Navy SEALs and the promise of psychedelic therapy for PTSD

• I’m Your Venus (June 23), by Kimberly Reed, a gripping investigation into the unsolved murder of ballroom icon Venus Xtravaganza

• A King Like Me (June 19), chronicling New Orleans’ Black Mardi Gras krewe Zulu Club

• Sunday Best (July 21), directed by the late Sacha Jenkins, about Ed Sullivan’s groundbreaking support for Black musicians

Adam Del Deo, Netflix’s VP of Documentaries, shared:

“We saw a chance to bridge the gap by making sure these six impactful films — which all received stellar festival receptions — could be seen and loved by wider audiences. It’s especially meaningful that these stories come from filmmakers we’ve worked with before.”

This bold acquisition strategy underlines Netflix’s commitment to supporting diverse voices and influential artists. For DEVO fans, it marks a long-awaited deep dive into the band’s legacy — now reaching millions through the world’s largest streaming platform.

Stay tuned for more updates on DEVO the documentary and its official Netflix launch on August 19.