How much is too much, too soon? You’d think that the rushed released of the Michael Jackson concert film This Is It seemed just short of a crass commercial move, yet it has proved to be a hit among fans AND critics. Now A&E is giving us the first glimpse of the reality show The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty that, in its defense, started filming months before Michael Jackson’s sudden death in June at the age of 50. I have to admit I’m intrigued, but then again, I was a huge MJ fan in his Thriller heyday.
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New York, NY, November 6, 2009 – A&E presents “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty,” a new real-life series that will chronicle the personal and professional lives of Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon as they prepare for a Jackson Five reunion, while also coming to terms with Michael’s tragic loss. The series premieres Sunday, December 13 with back-to-back one-hour episodes beginning at 9:00pm ET/PT. The series will then move to its regularly scheduled time, Sunday’s at 10:00pm ET/PT beginning December 20 on A&E.
Behind the headlines lies a captivating family, whose lives have been unwillingly played out before cameras for decades. After 40 years in the business together, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon, have sold more than 250 million albums worldwide. Now, the brothers allow unprecedented access into their world as they record new material and rehearse for a concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Jackson Five. “The Jacksons : A Family Dynasty” will chronicle the brothers’ relationships with each other, their parents and their children, while also balancing the demands of their professional commitments and celebrity. The series will also document the brothers’ coming to terms with Michael’s tragic loss and how to properly honor his legacy.
“This deeply intimate portrait will provide viewers with a raw and honest look inside a musical dynasty,” said Robert Sharenow, Senior Vice President of Nonfiction & Alternative Programming, A&E Network and BIO Channel. “For the first time ever, the remaining members of The Jackson Five allow cameras inside their very private world, giving the public a glimpse into how they balance their extremely busy personal and professional lives with the demands of celebrity.”
“The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty” will follow the brothers as they record vocals for a song on Michael’s This Is It soundtrack; attend the bittersweet premiere of the film; travel to London to support Tito who is a special guest star for musical legend Gladys Knight at a Wembley Arena concert performance; and try to balance their obligations as The Jackson Five while also pursuing their individual interests and projects.
