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Worst to First: The True Story of Z100 New York

Play trailer 1:30 Poster for Worst to First: The True Story of Z100 New York 2022 1h 4m Documentary History Music Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
83% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City's Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran. Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music. Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

Critics Reviews

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Glenn Kenny New York Times 02/10/2022
The movie’s prefab on-screen graphics are just one reason “Worst to First” has such a limp tone overall. Go to Full Review William Schwartz Book & Film Globe 07/21/2022
Worst to First: The True Story of Z100 New York is a charming story in part because its a depiction of a world where this kind of moralizing from celebrities and media platforms didn’t exist. Go to Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix 02/21/2022
It's really a tribute to Scott Shannon and his Z100 reign in the 1980s, rather than a comprehensive look at all of Z100's history. The movie has flawed editing and diversity problems, but ultimately it's lightweight nostalgia with entertaining stories. Go to Full Review Carey-Ann Pawsey Orca Sound 02/18/2022
3/5
A true underdog story about how in an incredible 74 days Z100 rose from the bottom to the top where it has remained for about 40 years. Go to Full Review Edward Douglas The Weekend Warrior (Substack) 02/11/2022
A great quick look into this world that was so influential on the entire radio music and talk format for many decades to come. Go to Full Review Nathaniel Muir AIPT 02/07/2022
This documentary offers brief glimpses into how great Z100 became, but never tells the whole story. The underdog tale hinted in the title gets around ten minutes of time. More of a overview with neat nuggets of information than a comprehensive look. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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NYC2026com T @Stuckat11 Mar 5 You left out a large section as you know Scott Shannon came and he thought he’s going to New York, but he was in Secaucus New Jersey drunk on his own power I suppose however it seems that there are an interns there or a intern there who bought little boys in I confronted Hollywood Hamilton on social media. Ask him if he was an original Dj, which I knew he was cause I had bumped them into them in the hallway. . Ask him if he was an original Dj, which I knew he was cause I had bumped into him in the hallway of the studio and then asked another question. I never got a response. What a fucked up world. See more Bob B @RT37078957 08/27/2024 This was under produced and yet, overdone/ A lot of stuff said wasn't true and too much emphasis was placed on music, which wasn't really Z100s strength, which was its imaging and morning show. Most would be surprised to learn that WPLJ usually beat Z100 in the music dayparts (10AM- Midnight) and their music was in fact, better. The morning show was fabulous and like nothing NY radio had ever seen. The rest of the day they were a good but not amazing CHR station. See more 02/19/2022 The stories, the history... it's legendary! The underdog that becomes the Goliath... not only for radio but for music, for artists, and New York City! xo See more 02/18/2022 My wife and I watched this together the other night and had a great time. So interesting and entertaining. My wife grew up in NYC in the 80s, so this was so nostalgic for her, and she was practically screaming at the TV. I didn't grow up in New York, but I found the story riveting (and who doesn't like music?!). This is a no brainer. Low investment of time, and high reward. Check it out! See more 02/13/2022 My family and I listen to Z100 often in the car being from the New York Metro Area. It's interesting to hear the inside story of how the station started to become the popular station it is today. We are very excited to watch this documentary by Mitchell Stuart. See more 02/11/2022 Very entertaining story with great cast. I love Z100 and never knew the story. It's great to see all the faces behind all the voices then and now. Highly recommend! See more Read all reviews
Worst to First: The True Story of Z100 New York

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Cast & Crew

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Mitchell Stuart

Director

Scott Shannon

Self

Elvis Duran

Self

Jon Bon Jovi

Self

Nile Rodgers

Self

Clive Davis

Self

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Worst to First: The True Story of Z100 New York

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Movie Info

Synopsis WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City's Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran. Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music. Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.
Director
Mitchell Stuart
Producer
Mitchell Stuart
Screenwriter
Mitchell Stuart
Genre
Documentary, History, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 11, 2022
Runtime
1h 4m