Marlon Jackson is set to honor the legacy of his late father, Joseph Jackson, with a new docuseries titled “The Manager, The Mythology, The Legend.” The series, a collaboration with production company BLK Prime, will consist of eight episodes and aims to reclaim Joe Jackson's reputation, presenting him as a "visionary trailblazer" who cultivated his children into global superstars.
According to Marlon Jackson, the docuseries will delve into his father's early years and his role in launching the careers of The Jackson Five, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson. "Our father’s life is replete with triumphs and challenges, and we firmly believe that this series will offer a distinctive and accurate portrayal of the man behind our family," Marlon Jackson stated. "We are thrilled to share [my] father’s indelible legacy with fans worldwide, granting them an intimate glimpse into the remarkable individual we knew and loved."
The project comes after recent portrayals of Joe Jackson in media, including the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” which depicted him as a harsh and physically abusive figure. An insider familiar with the docuseries suggested that Joe Jackson has been "demonized" in past representations and that "there’s another side of him that hasn’t been told."
Joe Jackson, who died in 2018 at the age of 89, was instrumental in the rise of his children. He guided Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael to international fame as The Jackson Five. He also played a role in the early stages of Janet Jackson's acting and music careers.
Lauren Pearson, Vice President of Operations at BLK Prime, described Joe Jackson as a "visionary trailblazer who laid the groundwork for one of the most triumphant family dynasties in the realm of music." She added, "It is with immense honor that we collaborate with Marlon Jackson to bring this inspirational and multi-faceted story to television screens worldwide."
Despite controversies surrounding his parenting methods, members of the Jackson family have spoken about Joe Jackson's strength and impact. Janet Jackson, in a 2018 tribute following his death, called him a "great man" and recalled his encouragement to persevere through challenges. She stated, "My father was a great man. My brother asked me, ‘If he were here right now listening to this conversation, what do you think he would say to you?’ and I think my father would’ve said, ‘Janet, please, finish what you started and I will be there with you every step of the way in your heart.’"