Ed Sheeran doesn’t see the point of critics, which is fine; we don’t really see the point of him, either. But he has a new documentary series coming out soon, and we have a professional duty to tell you that Ed Sheeran: The Sum Of It All is hitting Disney+ on May 3. Do with that information what you will.
All four episodes of the series drop simultaneously, promising to give us “a definitive and searingly honest view into his private life as he explores the universal themes that inspire his music”. In what is certainly an amazing coincidence, the series will debut a mere three days before the release of Sheeran’s new album (pronounced “Subtract”).
But in all serious and with no tongue-in-cheek shade, this does look like an uncommonly intimate portrait of Sheeran as an artist and a man, dealing with both his massive successes and immense challenges. We see him grapple with both the tragic death of his mentor and friend, Jamal Edwards, as well as his wife Cherry Seaborn’s cancer diagnosis while pregnant with their second child.
Along the way it also tracks Sheeran’s rise from a shy, stuttering child to one of the biggest music stars of the 21st century. The whole thing is stacked with rare archival videos, fly-on-the-wall footage and interviews with Sheeran, his family, and colleagues such as Stormzy. No word on whether friend and collaborator Taylor Swift makes an appearance, though.
Speaking of the series, Sheeran noted, “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. 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.” We’re sure the Sheerios will be tuning in for this one.
