A&E network unveils Jackson TV show
Brothers of Michael Jackson (L-R): Marlon, Jermaine and Tito serve as pall-bearers during the memorial services for pop star Michael Jackson in Los Angeles July 7, 2009.
Credit: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Cable television network A&E on Friday unveiled plans for a new reality TV show starring four brothers of late pop star Michael Jackson depicting them dealing with his death and rehearsing for an upcoming concert.
"The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty" will star Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson in six one-hour episodes, starting December 13. A&E said.
The brothers will be shown recording a song for the soundtrack of Jackson movie "This Is It," attending a premiere for the film and rehearsing for a concert to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Jackson Five.
The brothers, along with Michael, formed the Jackson Five singing group in the late 1960s and 1970s that recorded hits like "ABC" and "I'll Be There" before Michael began a solo career that included his smash hit "Thriller."
Michael Jackson died in Los Angeles on June 25 after overdosing on prescription drugs. Since then, a movie has been made of his final days rehearsing for a comeback tour that had been planned to take place in London in July.
Video from those rehearsals formed the basis of the movie "This Is It," which has made more than $144 million worldwide since its October 28 release.
"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," A&E said in a statement.
A 1976 variety program featuring the Jackson brothers and sisters La Toya and pop singer Janet, called "The Jacksons", ran for one season.
(Reporting by Corinne Heller; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)
