The A&E network said yesterday its previously announced documentary about members of the Jackson family will be expanded into a reality series.
A&E's official word came only after "Entertainment Tonight" declared the Jackson series was a go.
But beyond acknowledging its plans for a series, A&E furnished no details. No premiere date or number of episodes has been specified.
The original special, which the cable channel announced last May, focuses on brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson as they prepare to reunite for a concert tour.
Initial filming wrapped in June before the death of Michael Jackson, but he didn't participate in the production, said network spokesman Dan Silberman.
The 50-year-old King of Pop died June 25, weeks before he was scheduled to begin a string of comeback shows in London.
Entertainment Tonight aired footage from the special on its Tuesday edition.
Billed as "exclusive new video," the three-minute clip showed family matriarch Katherine Jackson as well as her sons Jermaine, Jackie and Tito, at home, relaxing and chatting. Correspondent Kevin Frazier told viewers the project included "the entire Jackson clan," adding, "sources tell us that Michael also participated in the filming."
Entertainment Tonight did not say how it got the video, but promised to air more on Wednesday's edition.
"The footage was leaked without A&E's knowledge or consent," said network spokesman Dan Silberman.
(Shanghai Daily/Agencies August 26, 2009)
