Famous Last Words (TV series)
| Famous Last Words | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Documentary |
| Based on | Det sidste ord by Mikael Bertelsen |
| Directed by | Ivan Dudynsky |
| Presented by | Brad Falchuk |
| Music by | Michael Gatt |
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of episodes | 2 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Running time | 50–55 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | October 3, 2025 – present |
Famous Last Words is an American television documentary series produced for Netflix. It is based on the Danish series Det sidste ord (Danish for 'The Last Word') from TV2. It is hosted by Brad Falchuk, who produces it along with Mikkel Bondesen.[1][2] First announced in July 2024 when Netflix acquired the rights to the format, the show consists of an interview with a notable figure, explicitly only published posthumously, allowing the interviewee to tell their own message after their death.[3][1][4]
Premise
The show consists of an interview with subjects regarding their "recent" deaths, with only the two people present to provide an open and intimate atmosphere,[5][6] and as an allusion to being in the threshold into death. Cameras are operated remotely, and recording personnel can't hear the interview. Only a very small number of people know who has participated before the episode is announced.[1] Each episode lasts an hour, edited from approximately four hours of recorded material.[1] Towards the end of the interview, the host leaves the set and allows the interviewee to close the episode with their final words to the audience.[7] The full records of the interview are stored at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.[1]
Episodes
| # | Person | Date recorded | Date of death | Date released | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 2025 | 1 October 2025 (aged 91) | 3 October 2025 | [8] | |
| 2 | November 2025 | 19 February 2026 (aged 53) | 20 February 2026 | [9][10][11] |
Reception
Regarding the first episode, featuring Jane Goodall,[1] New York Post stated that the interview was uplifting and an opportunity to reflect on a life well-lived, while seeing Falchuk as reverent but a bit dry.[4] Iowa Source described the conversation as candid and friendly, with Falchuk steering with a gentle touch.[12][6] The Brown Daily Herald praised the interview while also criticizing Falchuk's presence and insistence on authenticity and drama over substance.[5] This episode was praised by the creator and host of the Danish version, Mikael Bertelsen, who described it as "some of the strongest television I had seen in a long time". He thought that her final speech was "incredible and very beautiful".[7]
Regarding the second episode, featuring Eric Dane, Stuart Heritage of The Guardian, said it was "undeniably powerful" and added "some subjects will be scared, others angry, many performative. However they react, though, what an honour to allow us to see them like this. A couple of decades from now, Famous Last Words is going to be one of the most fascinating resources we will have. What a thing this is."[13]
Similar concepts
The New York Times made a video series titled The Last Word from 2006 to 2025, featuring influential people shortly before their presumed death.[1][14]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "How Jane Goodall's Death Launched Netflix's New Famous Last Words Series". The New York Times. October 3, 2025. Archived from the original on October 4, 2025. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
She was simply the first among those interviewed to die. It "has to look like an in-between space between life and death", Falchuk said. "Ethereal in some way".
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (October 3, 2025). "Jane Goodall Famous Last Words Doc Gets Posthumous Release on Netflix". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ Schneider, Michael (July 29, 2024). "Netflix Orders Famous Last Words, Based on Danish Format That Captures Cultural Figures' Final Interviews (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ a b Kocan, Liz (October 6, 2025). "Famous Last Words: Dr. Jane Goodall Netflix Interview Documentary Review: Stream It Or Skip It?". Decider (website).
What sets it apart from other similar interview shows is the specter of death looming throughout. Not in a creepy way, but here it forces Goodall to be reflective and consider her life as a whole and her legacy. "I'm dead so I won't have repercussions", Goodall laughs
- ^ a b Wicker, Rachel (October 23, 2025). "Netflix's Famous Last Words hits the mark with Jane Goodall interview". The Brown Daily Herald.
Though Falchuk's questions and follow-ups aid the flow of conversation, his presence is distracting. His attempts at authenticity often have the opposite effect, making his performance feel, at times, insincere.
- ^ a b "Famous Last Words: Jane Goodall's final message to Earth". October 7, 2025.
It's intimate, raw, and deeply human. It feels less like a stiff interview and more like an honest, final fireside chat with someone who's lived a full and fearless life
- ^ a b Dreyer, Pernille (October 4, 2025). "Mens han færdiggør Jørgen Leths sidste ord, glæder Mikael Bertelsen sig over Netflix-premiere". Berlingske (in Danish). Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ "In an Exclusive Interview, Dr. Jane Goodall Leaves Behind Her Last Words". Netflix Tudum. Archived from the original on October 4, 2025. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ Sharf, Zack (February 20, 2026). "Eric Dane's Final Interview Before Death Streams on Netflix as Late Actor Shares Last Words to His Daughters: 'I Stumbled, but I Tried… Fight Until Your Last Breath'". Variety. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ "Eric Dane Interview in Famous Last Words Netflix Documentary - Netflix Tudum".
- ^ "Netflix's Famous Last Words Docuseries Just Released a New Episode". CNet. Retrieved February 20, 2026.
- ^ Draznin, Patricia (November 4, 2025). "Famous Last Words: Dr. Jane Goodall - Iowa Source".
- ^ Heritage, Stuart (February 23, 2026). "'Profoundly moving': Netflix's posthumous celebrity interview series is a marvel" – via The Guardian.
- ^ "The Last Word". The New York Times.