Jacksons Reality Series: Heartwarming TV or Shameless Cashing In?

A&E gives greenlight to documentary series focusing on M.J.'s siblings in wake of his death

By Josh Grossberg Aug 20, 2009 3:15 PMTags
Michael Jackson, Caskett, MemorialKevin Mazur/MJ Memorial/Getty Images

Update: A&E has confirmed plans to proceed with a Jackson family reality series after already shooting a one-hour special which wrapped six days before Michael's death.

But instead of focusing on the brothers' attempts to hold a Jackson 5 reunion concert, it will shift to the grieving process each has been experiencing and their plans to pay tribute to the King of Pop.

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Michael Jackson's final gift to his family? Potential reality TV stardom.

After years off the media radar, the Jackson clan has been suddently thrust back in the spotlight following the King of Pop's passing. Now, a long-planned reality show focusing on M.J.'s siblings has been dusted off and is getting a new life.

Per the Hollywood Reporter, A&E is moving forward with plans for the hitherto shelved series, which has morphed from a show about a possible reunion to one focusing on how the family is dealing with the tragedy.

Before Jackson's demise, several family members (but not Michael or Janet) had filmed a one-hour pilot. That is expected to air within the next few weeks, although no firm date has been set.

The network had no comment on the report.

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E!'s got the latest on the investigation into Michael Jackson's doctor here.