Ed Sheeran Docuseries ‘The Sum of It All’ Coming to Disney+ – Billboard
Documentary series chronicling Ed Sheeran’s journey to fame, his personal life and the inspiration behind his music. Ed Sheeran: the sum of everythingIt will premiere worldwide on Disney+ on May 3rd.
In a Monday (March 20) Disney statement, the four-part documentary series is described as highlighting “how an unusual kid with a stutter rose to fame to become one of the world’s biggest music superstars, and how his chart-topping hits were born.”
The Disney+ Original Series will feature exclusive content from Sheeran’s personal archive, interviews with his loved ones and intimate performances. All four episodes The sum of it allproduced by Fulwell 73 Productions (Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, Adele: for one night only) will be available on release day: Love, Loss, Focus, and Balance.
“I have always been very careful in my personal and private life; the only documentary I’ve ever made was about how I write songs,” Sheeran says in a press release. “Disney asked me to make a four part documentary and I thought it was time to open the door and let people in. I hope people enjoy it.”
“In this documentary series, we are going to reveal a side of Ed Sheeran that fans have never seen before. Together with Fulwell 73, we have created something truly authentic and personal that will not only entertain viewers, but inspire them to dream big and pursue their passions,” said Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis.
Ben Winston and Ben Turner of Fulwell 73 Productions are executive producers on the series, which is directed by David Sutar.
Sheeran’s new single “Eyes Closed” is expected this Friday (March 24) and his new album – (pronounced Subtract) will be here May 5th via Atlantic in the US, Atlantic/Asylum Records in the UK and Atlantic/Warner Music in the rest of the world.
Watch episode summaries Ed Sheeran: the sum of everything, courtesy of Disney, below. Tune in to Disney+ on May 3rd.
“Love”
Ed Sheeran explains the unwavering work ethic that has propelled him to global success. In exclusive footage of his teenage years, Ed describes how he planned his unlikely success. When he was ignored by the music industry, he began playing under unexpected conditions until this determination brought him into contact with media entrepreneur Jamal Edwards in 2010. Together they used the evolving Internet to find their audience. The A-Team is breaking America, but Ed was still missing something. Ed tells the story of his iconic love song “Perfect” about his old high school girlfriend and now wife Cherry, which tells the story of their romantic love story. Ed seems to have it all until Cherry hears life-changing news and Ed quickly realizes that plans can change in an instant and he will have to adjust.
“A loss”
Ed, his parents and wife Cherry look at old photographs of Ed and explain why he chose to return to his hometown in England. In unseen footage of Ed’s Separation Tour, Ed imagines his tight fortress of trusted friends who keep him anchored. Then the unthinkable happens. Ed’s best friend, Jamal Edwards, suddenly dies. Ed fights Jamal’s monument as he thinks about Jamal’s legacy. Ed reflects on the meaning of friendship and, using music as therapy, immerses himself in work. During Ed’s 5 night performance at London’s Wembley Stadium, British artist Stormzy joins Ed on stage for an epic performance ahead of a little surprise gig in his hometown. During an uplifting chant upon his return home, Ed sings the iconic “Thinking Out Loud” to the shocked locals.
“Focus”
Ed showcases his songwriting talents in exclusive archival footage showing the making of one of his biggest hits “Bad Habits”. Ed explains the origin story behind the writing of “Eyes Closed” in 2018, all the way back to its latest penetrating version. After a tumultuous year, Ed was able to channel his emotions in the right direction and fully immersed himself in completing his five-album master plan with Subtract, which had eluded him for over a decade. Grieving the loss of Jamal, Ed continues at the same pace, filming 14 music videos for his new album, and his childhood dream comes true when he performs with Eminem at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but Cherry worries he might use the work as a distraction. In an intimate performance, Ed shares songs from Subtract publicly for the first time, but is overwhelmed when emotions get the better of him.
“Balance”
In the final episode, Ed flies off to America to promote his tour. Both Ed and Cherry reflect on how they manage to balance family life and work when they are regularly away from each other. Reunited at her home, Cherry explains how much she has seen in Ed over the past year. Ed meets with friend and fellow British artist Stormzy to share his concerns about releasing his most personal thoughts into the world with Subtract. In tribute to Jamal, Ed writes a beat for his rap “F64” about their friendship during an intimate performance at Chelsea Football Club’s home ground, Stamford Bridge. After the good news about Cherry’s health, she and Ed reflect on all the hardships and victories of the past year and look to the future with a more cherished outlook on life.