What happens when a star isn’t born? An adaptation of Vivek Shraya's hit play and subsequent book, the CBC Gem original series HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR answers this question with hilarity, vulnerability, a healthy dose of imagination and, of course, music.

The series tracks the journey of Vivek, a young queer brown boy, growing up in Edmonton trying to achieve pop stardom and what went right and wrong along the way – from the perspective of the now 40-something trans feminine multidisciplinary artist that boy became.

Starring Shraya, Adrian Pavone (STAR TREK: DISCOVERY), and Chris D’Silva (THE HANDMAID’S TALE). Written by Shraya and directed by Vanessa Matsui (SON OF A CRITCH) with Shraya co-directing one episode.

Following the world premiere of the first three episodes, Chris dela Torre, host of CBC Calgary's Radio One The Homestretch, will host a Q&A with Vivek Shraya, followed by a musical performance by Shraya.

All episodes of HOW TO FAIL AS A POPSTAR will be available to stream for free in Canada beginning Friday, October 13, exclusively on CBC Gem.