This is not a drill—we are getting a Janet Jackson documentary! All hail the one and only Queen of Pop. After years of being famously silent about her personal life, her career ups and downs, that Super Bowl moment, and her legacy, Damita Jo is finally letting us in. A&E and Lifetime announced that the two-night event will be released in early 2022. And what’s more? Our girl Janet serves as executive producer of the piece alongside her brother Randy. Yes, to owning our narratives!
Directed by Ben Hirsh, the 4 hour special, simply titled JANET, is said to boast unprecedented and unfettered access to the best-selling pop icon and offers an intimate look at her story for the first time through exclusive archival footage, never-before-seen home videos, and celebrity interviews. It will uncover the most challenging moments in her personal life and professional career, including the passing of her father and the Jackson family patriarch Joe, her 2004 Super Bowl halftime show performance with Justin Timberlake, the death of her brother Michael Jackson, and becoming a mother later in her life.
Recently, Janet’s Control album turned 35, and she expressed her gratitude for all of the fan love over the years, saying:
“I was at home just the other day by myself, and I began to cry. I was crying because I was so thankful for all that God has blessed me with. All that he has given me, and I’m so thankful for him being in my life, and I’m so thankful for all of you being in my life. You’re so special to me, and I want to thank all of you for making Control number one once again after 35 years. I never, never in a million years, I would never think that this would happen. I really appreciate you, and I love you so, so much. Thank you.”
It is always special when we can give our legends their flowers while they are still with us. Janet has endured so many years of not getting her full just due, and it looks like she’ll be getting the credit she deserves on her own terms! Now that’s control.