The inaugural season of Popstars screened on TVNZ's TV2 channel in 1999 and was made up of nine half-hour episodes. The show's producers received $291,170 in funding from NZ On Air.
The format focused on the development of the five-piece girl group TrueBliss. The group's five members were Joe Cotton, Keri Harper, Erika Takacs, Carly Binding and Megan Alatini. Popstars followed TrueBliss as they recorded singles, music videos, album and embarked on a promotional tour of New Zealand.
The show also featured series creator and producer Jonathan Dowling and musician Peter Urlich.
Episode 02 (Band Reveal & Renovating Work Office)
Episode 04 (Erika/Carly Rivalry & Record Deal Drama)
Episode 05 (Recording The Album & Naming The Band)
Episode 06 (Music Video Shoot & Media Press Launch)
Episode 07 (Radio/Media Interviews & Public Response)
Episode 08 (Reflecting On The TV Series & Journey)