All Episodes of the Four-Part Docuseries Premiere Globally Wednesday, May 3, on Disney+ From Emmy Award®-Winning Producers at Fulwell 73 Productions (‘Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,’ ‘Adele: One Night Only,’ ‘The GRAMMY Awards’), ‘Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All,’ Will Blend Exclusive, Never-Before-Seen Personal Archive, Interviews and Compelling Performances To Reveal a Very Personal Side to Sheeran and How His Experiences Shaped Him as an Artist Today Sheeran’s New Single, ‘Eyes Closed,’ Out This Friday, March 24, With His Latest Album ‘ – ’ (Pronounced ‘Subtract’), Arriving Everywhere May 5
Disney+ has announced a new four-part docuseries titled “Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All,” set to premiere globally on May 3. The series, produced by Emmy Award-winning producers at Fulwell 73 Productions, will take viewers on a journey around the world and behind the scenes of Ed Sheeran’s life and music career, exploring how an unlikely child with a stutter became one of the biggest global music superstars and how his chart-topping hits were born.
For the first time, Ed Sheeran will open up about his private life and the universal themes that inspire his music. The series will follow him after he learns life-changing news and reveal his hardships and triumphs during the most challenging period of his life. The series will blend exclusive, never-before-seen personal archive footage, authentic interviews with his loved ones, and intimate performances in cinematic locations.
Throughout his career, Sheeran has inspired multiple generations of fans with his chart-topping music and intimate storytelling. In each episode, Sheeran will face themes and emotions that most people experience, expressing his deeper thoughts as he reassesses life and how this difficult time has influenced him and his new music. The series will culminate in showcasing a decade of hits enjoyed by subscribers around the world.
“In this docuseries, we’re going to reveal a side of Ed Sheeran that fans have never seen before,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “Together with Fulwell 73, we’ve created something truly authentic and personal that will not only entertain audiences but also inspire them to dream big and pursue their passions.”
“I’ve always been very guarded in my personal and private life; the only documentary I’ve ever made has been one that focused on my songwriting,” said Sheeran. “Disney approached me to make a four-part documentary, and it felt like the right time to open the door and let people in. I hope people enjoy it.”
“Everyone in the world knows and loves Ed Sheeran’s songs, as he has been the soundtrack to so many moments of our lives,” said Fulwell 73 partners Ben Turner and Ben Winston in a joint statement. “But this series of films shows the true man behind the hits, showing Ed in an entirely different way after a tumultuous year personally and professionally. This four-part series has been an honor for us to make.”
“Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All” promises to offer an intimate glimpse into the life of one of the biggest music superstars of our time, inspiring viewers to dream big and pursue their passions.
Episodes include the following:
“Love”
In the upcoming Disney+ docuseries “Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All,” viewers will gain insight into the global superstar’s life, including his work ethic that has driven his success. Exclusive footage from his teenage years will showcase how Sheeran planned his rise to fame despite being ignored by the music industry. Sheeran’s determination led him to play in unexpected settings until he connected with media entrepreneur Jamal Edwards in 2010. Together, they used the burgeoning internet to find their audience, leading to Sheeran’s breakout hit “The A Team” in America. Despite his success, Sheeran felt something was missing until he met Cherry, his old school friend and now wife. Sheeran shares the story behind his iconic love song, “Perfect,” which tells their romantic love story. However, when Cherry receives life-altering news, Sheeran quickly learns that plans can change in an instant, forcing him to adapt.
“Loss”
Ed Sheeran reminisces about his childhood as he looks at old photos with his parents and wife Cherry. He explains why he decided to move back to his hometown in England. In never-before-seen footage from his Divide Tour, Ed introduces his close circle of friends who provide him with unwavering support and keep him grounded. However, tragedy strikes when Ed’s best friend Jamal Edwards unexpectedly passes away.
Ed struggles through a memorial for Jamal, reflecting on their friendship and considering Jamal’s legacy. Using music as a form of therapy, Ed dives deep into work, pouring his emotions into completing his 5-album masterplan with Subtract, which he had been working towards for over a decade. As he mourns the loss of his friend, his wife Cherry worries that he may be using work as a way to avoid confronting his grief.
Despite the challenges, Ed continues to push forward, filming 14 music videos for his new album and even performing with Eminem at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, fulfilling a childhood dream. During his 5-night run at London’s Wembley Stadium, he delivers an epic performance with British artist Stormzy before surprising locals with a smaller gig in his hometown.
In a heartwarming homecoming singalong, Ed performs his iconic hit “Thinking Out Loud” to a crowd of shocked onlookers. This performance serves as a reminder that no matter how far he has come in his career, his roots will always be an important part of who he is.
“Focus”
In previously unreleased footage, Ed showcases his songwriting prowess with the genesis of his smash hit, “Bad Habits.” He also delves into the origins of “Eyes Closed,” tracing its evolution from its creation in 2018 to its current heartfelt form. Despite a tumultuous year, Ed channels his emotions into completing his long-held dream of releasing his 5-album masterplan, Subtract. Despite the loss of his best friend Jamal, Ed remains committed to his work and goes on to film 14 music videos for his new album. He even fulfills a childhood ambition by performing with Eminem at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. However, his wife Cherry worries that he may be using his work as a coping mechanism. In a moving and intimate performance, Ed shares songs from Subtract for the first time, but his emotions get the best of him and he becomes overwhelmed.
“Balance”
In previously unreleased footage, Ed showcases his songwriting prowess with the genesis of his smash hit, “Bad Habits.” He also delves into the origins of “Eyes Closed,” tracing its evolution from its creation in 2018 to its current heartfelt form. Despite a tumultuous year, Ed channels his emotions into completing his long-held dream of releasing his 5-album masterplan, Subtract. Despite the loss of his best friend Jamal, Ed remains committed to his work and goes on to film 14 music videos for his new album. He even fulfills a childhood ambition by performing with Eminem at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. However, his wife Cherry worries that he may be using his work as a coping mechanism. In a moving and intimate performance, Ed shares songs from Subtract for the first time, but his emotions get the best of him and he becomes overwhelmed.
“Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All” is produced by Fulwell 73 Productions. For Fulwell 73, Ben Winston and Ben Turner are executive producers. David Soutar is series director. For Disney Branded Television, Marc Buhaj is vice president, Unscripted and Nonfiction, and Nicole Silveira is vice president, Unscripted.