Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story

Greetings again from the darkness. Documentaries on bands, singers, and musicians have become very popular over the last few years, and although filmmaker Gotham Chopra has focused mostly on sports in his previous work, he dives right in with a four-part HULU series covering the forty years of stadium rockers Bon Jovi and their electric lead singer Jon Bon Jovi (nee John Bongiovi). This is not the first documentary on the band, so Chopra takes an unconventional approach. The series jumps around (and weaves back and forth) through the years, with the band's 40-year anniversary tour acting somewhat as a structuring device, along with Jon Bon Jovi's struggle with his voice.

Contrasting with a traditional chronological trip through the band's history, this approach requires a bit more concentration from the viewer. It also makes all four episodes 'must watch' TV in order to get the full backstory along with Jon Bon Jovi's (JBJ) personal journey. It is recommended that those interested commit to all four episodes, as the clips, photos, and interviews are mostly previously unseen. To assist with the overview, this review will break down each of the episodes separately.

Episode 1: New Jersey vs Everybody The only way this could begin is by reintroducing the 1980's hair band with clips of their live shows and videos. We then jump to 2022 as JBJ explains the band has rented the now unused Meadowlands Arena for their rehearsals for a mini-tour (15 shows) to prepare for their 40th anniversary celebration. He also discusses his voice struggles and the surgery for his vocal cords. Chopra takes us back to JBJ's childhood and high school, and we learn about his first couple of bands, along with the crucial role played by (1978) The Stone Pony and Southside Johnny and, of course, Bruce Springsteen in Asbury Park. Four additional key elements discussed here are JBJ commenting on his commitment to the craft of songwriting, the start of a beautiful affiliation with sound engineer Obie O'Brien, the partnership with Richie Sambora - a perfect blend of voice and guitar expertise, and the opportune gap created by the breakup of mega-band Van Halen. We hear very little actual music.

Episode 2: Nowhere to Everywhere The first (of 15) shows occurs in Omaha, and we also get the first bit of the modern-day Richie Sambora interview. The band reminisces about the early days on the road, and the make-or-break nature of their third album. Of course, they need not have worried as "Slippery When Wet" sold millions and established the band as king of the rock anthem with huge singalong hits, "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer". The band also hit at the peak of MTV, and the combination of hair, catchy tunes, and JBJ's blinding smile drove their album and ticket sales higher and higher. In this episode, we learn about the hiring of agent Doc McGhee, the formation of the Make a Difference Foundation, and playing Russia on the global tour. There are flash cuts between different versions of "Livin' on a Prayer", and it's the first we hear of issues with band cohesion.

Episode 3: Brothers in Arms This episode kicks off with the 15th and final stop of the tour in Nashville. As he comes off stage, his wife tells him, "It wasn't great". Being a perfectionist, JBJ takes it to heart and at that point decides he must move forward with the vocal cord surgery. It's a huge risk that could end his career ... or possibly allow it to move forward. We get the flashback to JBJ and Dorothea eloping to Vegas, as well as various versions of the band breaking up. The family nature of the band is mentioned frequently, and it conflicts with the "I'll show you" battle of 1990 solo albums by JBJ and Richie Sambora. There is some mention of JBJ's acting career and desire to write soundtracks, but he never loses sight of what is clear to us: he was born to be a band leader. Much more than a pretty face and booming voice, JBJ had visions for the band and was always strategizing about the next few steps. We can't help but chuckle as he recalls the hoopla over his haircut, and his reflections on what Elvis went through. A standout point in this segment is the huge international following the band developed as 'grunge' took over the rock scene in the U. S. Sadly, the effects of drugs on the band are detailed here as well ... including Richie heading to rehab.

Episode 4: Legendary A fitting final episode takes the split with Richie Sambora head on. His replacement, Phil X, receives plenty of kudos for his stepping in on short notice as the band went on tour. The stress on JBJ, and his desire to carry even more of the burden, is evident. To his credit (albeit only partial credit), Richie's interview includes an apology to the fans and "the guys". A reunion occurs at the 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, but it ends there. It's also in this episode where JBJ discusses his fundraising for Al Gore's Presidential campaign, which served as his initial foray into politics - leading to more political activism and a heightened social consciousness.

The band's albums and hits and tours are mentioned throughout the four episodes, but fans should know that this is an informative documentary, not a musical one. Most of the insight here comes from Jon Bon Jovi himself, as well as bits and pieces from the Richie Sambora interview. Band members David Bryan (keyboard), Tico Turner (drums), Hugh McDonald (bass), John Shanks and Phil X (guitarists), and Everett Bradley (percussion and vocals) are given time to comment, as is Bruce Springsteen. Mostly what we are left with is the high regard they each had for JBJ as a leader. The bouncing around of years and eras may be a bit challenging for some viewers, yet Bon Jovi's music is universal and it becomes quite clear that Jon Bon Jovi cares very much for his legacy ... a legacy entrenched through his 40 years of art.

The 4-episode docuseries premieres all episodes April 26, 2024 on Hulu.

This is a must see. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight and journey of both Jon Bon Jovi and the band. From the development of the band, through behind the scenes info and footage (including hardships and the loss of band members), to the creative writing process, and their evolution over the decades, this was a fantastic revelation of what was, is, and potentially will be Bon Jovi. Also, seeing how Jon gives back to the community was touching and inspiring. Thank you very much for sharing all of this, I am sure many parts of this wasn't easy. I was, am and forever will be a fan. You can count on this girl to go to see you on your next tour when and if it happens.

Starting point - I am not a big fan of the Bon Jovi band. Yeah I know some of their songs, and do like some of them. But they were a bit too "pop" for my musical tastes.

Speaking of which, I did chuckle when, early in the series, the band are described as "Heavy Metal".

This series is not really a story of the Band "Bon Jovi", but more the story of Jon Bon Jovi (John Bongiovi Jr). So series title is a bit misleading. Of course the band is a focus in the story, but really it is all about Jon Bon Jovi's story and his struggles as he got older.

Anyway, loved the first episode. Showed his and the bands origins etc.. Thought that was all interesting. 9 out of 10 for that episode.

But the rest of the episodes were just too long and I became bored. Yes there was some interesting things in there, but there was too much unnecessary content. They needed a good edit!

It was all a bit self indulgent I felt.

Worth watching if you are a big fan of him or the band, but otherwise....meh.

Entertaining, but left me wanting more. As a long time Bon Jovi fan (I attended their New Jersey concert in Gulfport MS in 1989) still one of the best concerts I've ever attended. I was so excited when I read that this documentary would be released in April. I was hoping for something a little more informative about the lives of each individual band member. Although I enjoyed this documentary, I didn't learn anything "new" regarding the band or Jon's philanthropy work (which I've always admired). I've also admired the longevity and happiness of Jon and Dorothea's marriage. I was hoping for more footage of their relationship. But I get it, this was about the band not the couple. I do hope they film a documentary regarding Jon's personal life. Actually, I think a movie about JBJ (such as Bohemian Rhapsody) would be very successful.

I'm a huge Bon Jovi fan, have been listening to them since my teens, almost had a cover band, and was highly excited to watch this. Oh, well...Such a bummer, feel like the band (and honestly, Sambora) deserved something better. Had to force myself to watch it, waiting for it to improve. And what did I get after all that time? A bit more of respect for JBJ work ethic and a lot more dislike for his narcissistic personality. It felt like watching an artist fade and a CEO rise... anything but a phenomenal band documentary / legacy. The footage is also very disappointing, decades of materials and the director seems to prioritize all the self indulgent blablabla from JBJ. Sorry for the sad review, it's just a disappointment from a fan that could not wait to watch it. Hope there's another one in the future that does justice to the band, really don't understand all the ratings of nines and tens here.