Janet Jackson Receives Two-Night Documentary on Lifetime and A&E

Celebrate 40 years of Jackon’s self-titled album with four hours of archival footage, interviews, and more.

We’re approaching the 40th anniversary of Janet Jackson‘s 1982 debut album, and Lifetime and A&E are honoring her extraordinary career with a two-night documentary event, tentatively titled Janet. Filming has been underway for the past three years and has captured intimate moments of Jackson’s life, including the loss of her father, Joseph Jackson, in 2018. Of course, Janet also discusses her relationship with King of Pop and controversial figure Michael Jackson as well as her reaction to his passing in 2009.

Janet Jackson by Jean-Paul Goude (V28, Spring 2004)

The documentary is directed by Ben Hirsch, with Janet and Randy Jackson as executive producers. The filmmakers have unprecedented access to Jackson’s past in the form of archival footage and home videos, and they delve into the most discussed aspects of Jackson’s life and career. Her infamous 2004 Super Bowl performance with Justin Timberlake has received renewed attention recently, as Timberlake apologized for his treatment of Jackson following her wardrobe malfunction during that career-defining performance. Media coverage was frequently sexist and disrespectful. Now, Jackson shares her experience of that event, but it’s only one in a series of incredible performances and chart-topping successes.

Janet Jackson by Jean-Paul Goude (V45, Spring Preview 2007)

When her self-titled album was released, Jackson was only 16 years old. Now, she has several iconic studio albums behind her, has endured media firestorms and family losses, and has become a mother. It’s an ideal time to reminisce on what makes Jackson one of the most beloved pop artists of all time. The documentary is projected to air simultaneously on Lifetime and A&E in early 2022. In the meantime, marvel at Jackson’s undeniable talent and charisma in the below performance of “Say You Do,” a single from the 1982 Janet JacksonĀ album.

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