Watch Michael: In His Own Words

Michael: In His Own Words is a documentary series that delves into the life and career of one of the most iconic musicians of all time: Michael Jackson. The series is part of Codeblack TV's programming and offers an intimate look at the King of Pop through exclusive footage and interviews with the singer himself as well as a selection of his close friends, family members, and collaborators.

Spanning over seven hours across six episodes, Michael: In His Own Words offers a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of the musician, covering key moments in his career, personal life, and public controversies. The show is narrated by one of Michael Jackson's oldest friends and colleagues, David Gest, who offers a personal perspective on the singer's life and work.

The series is organized chronologically, starting with Michael's early beginnings in the '60s with his brothers in the Jackson 5 and ending with his untimely death in 2009. Along the way, the show covers several key moments in the singer's life, including his rise to stardom, his groundbreaking music videos, his relationship with Diana Ross, and his personal life, including his marriages, children, and public scandals. The series also features interviews with several of Jackson's close friends and colleagues, including Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Barry Gibb, who provide insights and anecdotes about the singer's life and career.

One of the most striking aspects of Michael: In His Own Words is the amount of exclusive footage and interviews with the singer himself that the series offers. Viewers are treated to rare interviews with Jackson from throughout his career, including rare footage of the singer talking about his artistry, his personal life, and his passions. The show also features footage of Jackson performing live, in both his early years with the Jackson 5 and later as a solo performer, showcasing his electrifying stage presence and theatricality.

Throughout the series, the show explores the many facets of Michael Jackson's artistry, including his music, his dancing, his fashion sense, and his iconic music videos. The show highlights the many ways that Jackson broke barriers and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in pop music, with his blend of funk, disco, and rock influences, and his pioneering use of music videos as an art form. The series also examines the ways that Jackson's artistry was deeply connected to his personal life and spiritual beliefs, with the singer often drawing on themes of love, unity, and social justice in his music and performances.

While the series is largely celebratory in tone, offering a loving tribute to Jackson and his legacy, it also does not shy away from some of the more controversial moments in the singer's life. The show covers Jackson's troubled relationship with his father, Joe Jackson, his struggles with addiction and mental health issues, and the many allegations of sexual abuse that dogged him throughout his life, culminating in his infamous trial in 2005. The show features interviews with both critics and defenders of Jackson, offering a balanced and nuanced exploration of some of the more thorny aspects of his legacy.

Overall, Michael: In His Own Words is a fascinating and comprehensive look at the life and legacy of a true musical icon. With its rare footage, intimate interviews, and comprehensive approach to his career and personal life, the series offers a deeply humanizing look at one of the most enigmatic and beloved figures in modern music history.