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
IdeaCandy docuseries Unspoken War looks to start a national conversation
Unspoken War lands on Showmax in full on 12 November 2025, and on M-Net weekly on Wednesdays from 12 November. Produced by iEmmy nominees IdeaCandy.
Young, Gifted & Queer (2025)
This bold exploration of the lives of Black queer artists shaping Mzansi's cultural landscape is told through intimate and personal reflections.
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax
Watch the explosive trailer for Slay Queens, a Showmax Original docuseries about women chasing the soft life. Streaming from 31 October, new episodes every Friday.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television
Take a journey through TV history, exploring Black representation, from early on-screen appearances to modern creators, revolutionising the industry.
Giants S1
A compelling docuseries that takes you deep inside the lives of players from one of South Africa's most iconic football clubs, Orlando Pirates.
Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants
You can now binge-watch all five episodes of Giants, which takes an unprecedented look behind the scenes of a legendary football club: Orlando Pirates
Flight 149: Hostage of War (2025)
When Flight 149 landed in Kuwait, its passengers became pawns in Saddam's invasion, held as human shields. Decades later, survivors seek justice and the truth.
Tracking Thabo Bester
A documentary about the convicted murderer and rapist who faked his own death. All episodes are on Showmax.
Litvinenko: The unbelievable true-crime story
Jay Jay: Inspired by the real-life football star
More fascinating documentaries to stream
Caddo Lake (2024)
When a girl disappears on Caddo Lake, a series of past deaths and disappearances begin to link together, altering a broken family's history.
Youngins S3: Toka Mtabane on Khaya and Amo's relationship
Toka Mtabane opens up about Khaya’s journey through sex and intimacy in Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax with new episodes every Friday.
Finding Optel to hit Showmax after BFI London Film Festival
Mikayla Joy Brown and Jesse Brown talk about Finding Optel's BFI London Film Festival premiere. Coming to Showmax on 24 October 2025.
Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Watch the trailer for Outlaws S2, featuring rising star Noluthando Ngema, streaming from 17 November and on Mzansi Magic from 22 November 2025.
Latest Stories
Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe
Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2
Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break
Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special
South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations
What to watch on Showmax in October 2025
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa
June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma
Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax
From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham
Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running
Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax
Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist
Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants
Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom
The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window
SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival
