Who knew at the turn of the millennium that an Eminem song would go on to create a word, a subculture, and a complicated relationship between superstar and superfan? Slim Shady and Paramount+ are bringing fans, Stans, a new documentary premiering exclusively on the streamer today.
What to Know About the Eminem’s Stans Documentary
Directed by Steven Leckart and produced in part by Eminem and Shady Films, Stans stitches together intimate fan portraits, archival footage, and cultural analysis to examine devotion at its highest highs and darkest depths. Inspired by the third single of the same name, from Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP, the documentary features emotionally raw testimonials, stylized sequences, and moments that ask whether intense fandom is a lifeline or a problem. Other appearances in the documentary include Ed Sheeran, Adam Sandler, Dr. Dre, and Devon Sawa, who played Stan in the 2000 music video.
From Song to Dictionary: How “Stan” Became a Phenomenon
When Eminem released the track “Stan (featuring Dido)”, it became one of his biggest hits at the time, peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, and topping numerous charts internationally. The track told the story of an obsessed fan and lodged the word “stan” into pop culture, with it also becoming a retronym for “stalker fan.
Over the years, the term moved from slang to formal recognition, even appearing in major dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster. The song itself has become one of Eminem’s signature songs, and a touchstone in discussions of fandom, art, and accountability. The new Paramount+ documentary uses that origin story as a lens for a much bigger conversation.
“’Stan’ is one of the most unconventional songs ever written, where the story is mostly told from a fan’s perspective, so this film was an incredible opportunity to find a unique approach,” said director Steven Leckart in a press release. “We kept coming back to one lyric from the song: ‘I’m just like you.’ Fans who echo that same sentiment carry much of the film. But like the song, Marshall’s perspective was also essential to the movie. I’m grateful for just how candid, sincere and frequently hilarious he was.”
How to Watch Eminem’s Stans Documentary
If you’re curious about the story behind a word that shaped online culture or you want a smart, emotional look at what it means to love an artist in the digital era, Stans on Paramount+ has you covered. With Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and many other compatible devices, you can explore the Slim Shady lore and get a cultural anthropology lesson about fandom.
With more than 40,000 episodes and movies available, Paramount+ offers a wide range of content for everyone. You can watch Stans, live sports and much more on the platform for as low as $7.99 per month after a one-week free trial. Ready to watch? Try Paramount+ free at the link below.