Surviving R. Kelly

Surviving R. Kelly
GenreDocumentary
Written by
  • Nigel Bellis
  • Astral Finnie
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes15
Production
Executive producers
  • Tamra Simmons
  • Dream Hampton
  • Jesse Daniels
  • Joel Karsberg
  • Jessica Everleth
  • Maria Pepin
Producers
  • Laura Hoeppner
  • Charlotte Glover
  • Allison Brandin
  • Clarissa Kern
  • Lisa Nicole Jackson
Running time44-60 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkLifetime
ReleaseJanuary 3, 2019 (2019-01-03) –
January 3, 2023 (2023-01-03)
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

Surviving R. Kelly is a Lifetime documentary detailing sexual abuse allegations against American singer Robert "R." Kelly.[1] Its first season aired over three nights, from January 3 to January 5, 2019.[2] Filmmaker and music critic Dream Hampton served as executive producer[3] together with Joel Karsberg, Jesse Daniels and Tamra Simmons. Musicians Chance the Rapper, John Legend and Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards appeared in the documentary.[4][5][6] Its premiere episode on January 3, 2019, was Lifetime's highest-rated program in more than two years, with 2 million total viewers.[7] It received critical acclaim, with a 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The documentary also spurred several musicians who previously collaborated with Kelly on projects, including Lady Gaga and Ciara, to condemn Kelly and remove their works with him from streaming services.

Shortly after the docuseries aired, Kelly's final record label, RCA Records, dissolved its working relationship with him.[8] In February 2019, Kelly was arrested and charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.[9] In June 2022, Kelly was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison in connection with his sexual crimes.[10]

On December 11, 2019, it was announced that there would be a second season titled Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning, which premiered on January 2, 2020.[11] A final season titled Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter, was announced on December 15, 2022 and premiered on January 2, 2023.[12][13]

  1. ^ Fortin, Jacey (4 January 2019). "'Surviving R. Kelly' Documentary on Lifetime Details Sex Abuse Accusations". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  2. ^ McDermott, Maeve (January 5, 2019). "'Surviving R. Kelly' night three: Everything we learned from the docu-series' finale". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  3. ^ Martin, Michel (January 5, 2019). "'Surviving R. Kelly' Documentary Details Decades Of Sexual Abuse Accusations". All Things Considered. NPR. Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  4. ^ Braudie, Blais-Billie; Bloom, Madison (January 5, 2019). "Chance the Rapper Says R. Kelly Collaboration Was a "Mistake"". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  5. ^ Hinds, Julie (January 3, 2019). "R. Kelly allegations addressed in Detroit writer's Lifetime docu-series". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  6. ^ "'Surviving R. Kelly' Executive Producer dream hampton: 'I'm At War With R. Kelly'". Shadow and Act. January 3, 2019. Archived from the original on 4 January 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  7. ^ Bradley, Laura (4 January 2019). "Surviving R. Kelly Breaks Lifetime Ratings Record". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on 26 January 2019. Retrieved 7 January 2019.
  8. ^ Aswad, Jem (2019-01-18). "R. Kelly Dropped by Sony Music". Variety. Archived from the original on 2019-01-18. Retrieved 2019-01-18.
  9. ^ "Singer R Kelly 'charged with sexual offences'". BBC. 2019-02-22. Archived from the original on 2019-02-23. Retrieved 2019-02-22.
  10. ^ Closson, Troy (2022-06-29). "R. Kelly Is Sentenced to 30 Years for Scheme to Lure Children Into Sex". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-06-29.
  11. ^ "The Explosive Story Continues - "Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning" Debuts as a Three-Night Event Beginning January 2 on Lifetime". The Futon Critic. December 11, 2019.
  12. ^ Garcia, Thania (2022-12-14). "Lifetime Unveils Trailer for 'Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter,' Set for January Release". Variety. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
  13. ^ Cordero, Rosy (2022-12-14). "'Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter': Lifetime Reveals Premiere Date & Trailer". Deadline. Retrieved 2022-12-22.