Review: Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story SXSW Premiere- Hulu April 26

Title: Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story

Release: March 14, 2024 at SXSW – On Hulu on April 26

Runtime: 56 mins

Showrunner: Giselle Parets

Director: Gotham Chopra

Principal Cast: Jon Bon Jovi, Tico Torres, David Bryan, Phil X, Hugh McDonald

Reviewer Rating: 5Stars ★★★★★

“One thing you can be in this world is a quitter.” – Jon Bon Jovi

Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story is a captivating docuseries that delves into the life and musical journey of the legendary rock star John Bongiovi, professionally known as Jon Bon Jovi.

Filmed in 2022 while the band gets ready to hit the road, the four-part series marks a significant milestone as he approaches his 40th anniversary as a performer. But this isn’t your typical tour expose; it’s a celebration spanning four decades of music.

As a casual fan of his music, I was initially apprehensive to check the series out. Would the series reveal aspects of Jon Bon Jovi’s life that casual fans like me were unaware of? Would it tarnish my perception of the man behind the band? Sometimes it’s easier to not know and enjoy the music.

Thankfully, my fears were unfounded. Beyond the expected rock band antics of drugs, alcohol, and women, Jon primarily focused on the music. There were no shocking skeletons in the closet. Instead, we witness the band’s dedication to their craft. Interestingly, Jon himself is opposed to drug use, emphasizing the importance of the music above all else.

The docuseries captures the essence of Bon Jovi’s legacy through personal videos, unreleased demos, and never-before-seen photos. It’s fascinating watching an interview of a young 20-something Jon discussing his hopes and dreams, juxtaposed with the man he is now reflecting on those earlier accomplishments. It’s as if the older performer is sharing his wisdom with his younger self through interview clips. As someone who grew up in the 1980s, and living in this digital age, one can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia watching Jon sift through piles of 40-year-old cassette tapes as he reads the handwritten labels full of rock history.

Resisting the temptation to fill the each of the four one-hour episodes with nonstop music, the filmmakers skillfully weave the band’s songs into the narrative. The result is a masterfully cut and edited exploration of Bon Jovi’s journey both the band and the man, accompanied by interviews with band members and glimpses into their real-time struggles and triumphs.

When a band shares the same name as its lead singer, it’s easy to imagine a narcissistic leader solely focused on keeping the spotlight on themselves. However, watching Jon humbly talk about and give credit to the people who helped shape the band’s success is truly inspiring. One moment really stands out; there is a particular clip showing Jon at the top of his career calling in to a radio show to catch-up with one of the first DJs who played his music.

Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story focuses on more than just the good times. Jon candidly opens up about his regrets and mistakes throughout his journey. The tone becomes somber as we follow the singer through vocal cord surgery in 2022, leaving many, including himself, to wonder if he’ll ever sing again.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious observer, this docuseries promises an entertaining look at the rockstar history of the man Jon Bon Jovi and his band. Those concerned about the length of the episodes will be surprised how fast the docuseries moves along.

Directed by Emmy winner Gotham Chopra, Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story premieres exclusively on Hulu starting April 26.

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.