Janet Jackson the documentary is on Showmax
19 April 2023

Janet Jackson.

In the four-part documentary series, Janet Jackson., the iconic pop star, five-time Grammy winner and one of the top selling artists of all time with over 100 million records sold, opens up for the first time to give us an intimate and unfiltered look at the untold story of her life.

Produced by Janet and her brother Randy Jackson, the show was nominated for a 2022 Black Reel Award for Outstanding Documentary, a Hollywood Critics Association Award, and an MTV Movie + TV Award for Best Music Documentary.

In the five decades since she first stepped on stage, Janet has enjoyed immense levels of success, experienced incredible tragedy, and endured a tumultuous private life in the face of extraordinary public scrutiny. With no stone left unturned, this documentary lifts the lid on her private life for the first time and reveals some of her most intimate moments ever caught on camera.

Filmed over the span of five years, the docuseries features archival footage, never before seen home videos and star-studded interviews with the likes of Mariah Carey, Samuel L. Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Regina King, Debbie Allen, Janelle Monáe and Tyler Perry. The star also speaks candidly about growing up in the spotlight as a member of one of the biggest musical families of all time, about her father, Joe Jackson, and mother Katherine, and of course, her brother Michael, as well as the relationships that shaped her life as a mother, sister and lover.

More like this

Billy Joel: And So It Goes is on Showmax

Billy Joel: And So It Goes (2025)

An honest, insightful, and deeply moving look at the life and career of acclaimed musician Billy Joel, covering both his struggles and triumphs.

First
Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay on Showmax

Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay S1

Former RHOSLC cast member Heather Gay investigates hidden truths within the Mormon church, exposing cracks in its perfect facade.

First
Wizkid Long Love Lagos on Showmax

Wizkid: Long Live Lagos (2025)

This intimate and uplifting documentary explores Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Wizkid's rise to superstardom as one of the biggest Afrobeats artists.

FirstMade in Nigeria
Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy on Showmax

Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy (2025)

This sensational documentary delves into the rise and fall of Diddy, offering insight into his childhood, his meteoric rise, and his arrest.

First
High Horse: The Black Cowboy is on Showmax

High Horse: The Black Cowboy S1

Jordan Peele creates this vibrant, eye-opening three-part pop culture and historical documentary. It confronts and reclaims the Wild West while revealing the untold history of the Black cowboy.

You Were My First Boyfriend is on Showmax

You Were My First Boyfriend (2023)

In this introspective high school reunion movie turned inside out, filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo relives her tortured adolescence.

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God S1

This HBO docuseries explores the rise and fall of cult leader Amy Carlson, aka Mother God. As her health declined, followers awaited UFO salvation.

Stand Up and Shout: Songs from a Philly High School is on Showmax

Stand Up & Shout: Songs from a Philly High School (2023)

This heartfelt documentary follows a unique music programme at Hill-Freedman World Academy, which teaches students to create original songs.

Litvinenko: The unbelievable true-crime story

Jay Jay: Inspired by the real-life football star