Lifetime is banking that the success of their Surviving R. Kelly docuseries can be replicated after it was announced that the network was pursuing a follow-up to the Emmy nominated doc.
Lifetime is currently working on a four-part series, titled Surviving R. Kelly: The Aftermath, that will explore the impact of the original docuseries that aired in January, while also including interviews with new survivors, psychologists, and experts on the R&Bs singer’s legal troubles. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Rob Sharenow, president of programming for A+E Networks at the Television Critics Association summer press tour.
“We’re committed to provide a platform for women to have their voices heard,” he said, according to Deadline.
Much has transpired since the six-part docuseries debuted with a viewership of 26 million. The series included the voices of 50 of the singer’s alleged victims and survivors who claimed R. Kelly sexually and physically abused them and their families.
There was an immediate backlash that saw him released from RCA, his longtime recording label, and struggling to book shows.
It also prompted more women to come forward with allegations of abuse, leading the Cook County attorney’s office to indict the “Ignition” crooner on 10 felony counts of aggravated sexual assault in February. An additional 11 felony counts of sexual assault and sexual abuse were included in May. He pleaded guilty to all counts.
Furthermore, Kelly was indicted with 18 federal charges earlier this month, including allegedly taking underage girls across state lines for sex.
Separate federal indictments were filed in both Chicago and Brooklyn, including child pornography charges, enticement of a minor, obstruction of justice, racketeering, transporting underage girls for sex, and sexual exploitation of a child.
According to Page Six, the federal investigation came about after a Homeland Security agent watched the Lifetime docuseries.
Surviving R. Kelly was nominated for an Emmy Award last week in the informational series or special category.
In addition to Surviving R Kelly: The Aftermath, Lifetime also announced a similar documentary focused on financier Jeffrey Epstein TV movie based on the college admission scandal and a biopic about day time TV host Wendy Williams.
Will you be watching?