Simon Cowell is exploring a new phase in his career with a focus on discovering and developing new musical talent. His Netflix series 'Simon Cowell: The Next Act' documents his attempt to create a new boy band from scratch, amid industry shifts towards platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The series features Cowell and his team auditioning over 1,000 hopefuls across the UK and Ireland, ultimately forming a seven-member group called December 10, despite initial plans for only five members. The group, signed with Universal Music, aims to emulate iconic bands like One Direction, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. The band members include Nicolas from Portugal, Cruz from West London, Hendrik from England, Danny from England, Seán from Ireland, John from Kent, and Josh from England. Each member has a unique background and motivation, with ages ranging from 16 to 19, and social media profiles are provided for fans. In addition to the series, Cowell is actively involved in the band's development, emphasizing in-person auditions and industry training, with a vision to fill a 'ginormous gap' in the current boy band market. The show also offers glimpses into Cowell’s personal life, including his relationship with partner Lauren Silverman. Critics note that Cowell’s personality remains somewhat unlikable, blending his professional and personal life in the series, which is more freewheeling than his traditional TV judging roles. The series aims to show the raw, messy process of building a new band, with Cowell expressing hopes of recreating past success stories like One Direction within six episodes. Overall, Cowell’s new projects reflect his ongoing influence in the music industry, adapting to modern media landscapes while attempting to craft the next big boy band.