🎬 The Premise
Released in 2022, Kick Out the Jams: The Story of XFM enters the Documentary genre with a narrative focused on
Titled after the first-ever song to play on their airwaves, Kick Out the Jams follows the development of XFM from its rebellious pirate radio roots in the early 90’s, through to its official FM radio launch in 1997 as a major platform for launching alternative talent into the mainstream.
Under the direction of Ray Burdis, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
🎭 Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Ricky Gervais.
While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
🎥 Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Kick Out the Jams: The Story of XFM offers a
competent presentation. The cinematography
uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone.
The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Kick Out the Jams: The Story of XFM resonates with current
cultural themes in the Documentary space.
It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Kick Out the Jams: The Story of XFM is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
It is also featured on platforms like Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Kick Out the Jams: The Story of XFM centers on a unique premise within the Documentary landscape.
Titled after the first-ever song to play on their airwaves, Kick Out the Jams follows the development of XFM from its rebellious pirate radio roots in the early 90’s, through to its official FM radio launch in 1997 as a major platform for launching alternative talent into the mainstream. The doc deep-dives into the struggles and influence of the station which gave rise to the likes of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, whose global hits The Office and The Ricky Gervais Show were originally developed while working at the radio station.
The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 2022 cinema will find fairly predictable.
💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Kick Out the Jams: The Story of XFM has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the
ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread.
Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Kick Out the Jams: The Story of XFM sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
📝 Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Kick Out the Jams: The Story of XFM (2022): with an audience rating of 6.7/10, the reception has been generally positive.
It is a must-watch for fans of Documentary cinema who appreciate attention to detail.