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Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is a 2025 Canadian comedy film directed by Matt Johnson and written by Johnson and Jay McCarrol.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is a 2025 Canadian comedy film directed by Matt Johnson and written by Johnson and Jay McCarrol. It continues the fictionalized adventures of the duo from their web series and television adaptation, following Matt and Jay as they try to book a gig at the Rivoli in Toronto and become involved in time travel. Despite its name, the film is not related to the band Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, or the album Nevermind.

Premise

The movie follows Matt and Jay, fictionalized versions of the creators, as they attempt to secure a performance slot at the Rivoli in Toronto. Their plan fails in a way that results in time travel to 2008.

Franchise background

The film extends a project that began as a 2007–2009 web series and later became a 2017–2018 television adaptation. The film continues the same comedic concept and characters.

Production and creative team

Matt Johnson directed the film and co-wrote it with Jay McCarrol. Both creators also appear as the lead performers in the central duo.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the earlier web series Nirvana the Band the Show and its television adaptation, Nirvanna the Band the Show.
  • Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol star as fictionalized versions of themselves.
  • The plot involves the duo trying to book a show at the Rivoli in Toronto.
  • A plan goes wrong and sends the characters back in time to 2008.
  • The film is a Canadian comedy.
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Canadian context

This is a Canadian film made by Canadian creators and set in Toronto, making it directly relevant to Canadian film and television audiences.

Frequently asked questions

Is this film related to the band Nirvana?
No. It is a comedy film about the fictional duo Nirvanna the Band, not the American rock band Nirvana.
What is the movie based on?
It is based on the web series Nirvana the Band the Show and its television adaptation Nirvanna the Band the Show.
Who directed the movie?
Matt Johnson directed the film.
Who wrote the movie?
Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol wrote the film.
Where is the movie set?
The story is set in Toronto, including the Rivoli venue, and later shifts to 2008 through time travel.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvanna_the_Band_the_Show_the_Movie
    Supports: Identifies the film as a 2025 Canadian comedy directed by Matt Johnson, written by Johnson and Jay McCarrol, and based on the earlier web series and TV adaptation.
  2. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2K9ccMREOI
    Supports: Official trailer text describing the plot involving booking a show at the Rivoli and accidental time travel to 2008.