Michael Jackson specials abound on King of Pop’s birthday

This Saturday, August 29, would have been Michael Jackson’s 51st birthday. If you haven’t gotten your fill of MJ programming since his passing on June 25, several premiere and encore specials will air over the next few days to commemorate the life of one of the greatest pop-culture figures ever.

Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar (new) — BET, Aug. 27 at 10pm; Aug. 29 at 1pm, 6pm, 9pm; Aug. 30 at 4pm, 7pm ET/PT. This one-hour documentary focuses on Jackson’s music career at a young age and looks at his solo years, in addition to how his collaboration with Quincy Jones yielded one of the bestselling albums of all time. Interviews include Janet Jackson, Brooke Shields, Liz Taylor, Quincy Jones and Jermaine Jackson.

Michael Jackson History: The King of Pop (new) — BET, Aug. 28 at 8pm; Aug. 29 at 7pm; Aug. 30 at 5pm, 9pm ET/PT. A two-hour documentary featuring rare footage from an interview not seen for 25 years, and including interviews with Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson and Quincy Jones. The special also offers thoughts from Nelson Mandela, and the late Princess Diana.

Michael Jackson: 10 Things You Didn’t Know (new) — BET, Aug. 28 at 10pm; Aug. 29 at 12:30pm, 10:30pm; Aug. 30 at 8pm ET/PT. A new half-hour special produced by BET Music reveals 10 surprising things about Michael.

Michael Jackson: The E! True Hollywood Story (repeat) — E!, Aug. 29 at 7am & 4pm ET/PT. This two-hour show covers Jackson’s life, from his rough childhood through his glory years to the controversies and ugly rumors that shattered his pop idol image. Interviews include Jane Fonda, Corey Feldman, biographers, journalists, childhood friends and members of his family.

Forbes Presents Michael Jackson: Where’s the Money? (new) — E!, Aug. 29 at 10am, 3pm & 10pm ET/PT. Within the first week of his sudden death, Jackson’s album and digital sales posted record breaking numbers. The footage of his final rehearsal performance will likely be a cash cow for years to come, but what about the mountain of debt he left behind? Will the new windfall be sufficient to cover the bills? Will his children continue to live like royalty or will legal wrangling suck his estate dry? In this new half hour special, the experts at Forbes analyze the facts and figures to offer a unique look behind the money trail left by Michael Jackson.

E! News Special: The Death of Michael Jackson (new) — E!, Aug. 29 at 10:30am & 3:30pm ET/PT. Host Giuliana Rancic heads up this new half-hour E! News Special that reveals the latest details on Jackson’s death.

Remember the Time: Michael Jackson (Part 1 + 2) (repeat) — BET, Aug. 29 at 2pm; Aug. 30 at noon ET/PT. Showcases Jackson’s most memorable videos, interspersed with commentary from BET hosts, celebrities and pop-culture critics.

Janet Jackson: The E! True Hollywood Story (repeat) — E!, Aug. 29 at 6pm ET/PT. THS keys in on the Jackson daughter who out-shined most of her brothers and became an $80 million pop goddess. This original one-hour episode takes a revealing look at the conflict and controversy that surrounded the talented, sexy and secretive pop diva, from breaking free from her controlling manager dad to her roller coaster relationships with men, fighting depression and becoming one of the music world’s highest paid mega-stars. Interviews include La Toya Jackson, Katherine Jackson, Debbie Allen and Jimmy Jam.

Michael Jackson: An E! Entertainment Special (repeat) — E!, Aug. 29 at 7pm ET/PT. From the Jackson 5 to Thriller, E! charts the life of the talented man who changed the face of music. Featuring unprecedented access to Jackson’s music and concert footage, plus intimate interviews with family, friends and musical colleagues, this one-hour special is a look at the life and music of one of the world’s most influential entertainers. Interviews include Katherine, La Toya and Jermaine Jackson, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Jeffrey Daniels and Liza Minnelli.

Michael Jackson: Our Icon (new) — BET, Aug. 29 at 10pm; Aug. 30 at 8:30pm ET/PT. Ebony and BET team up for this half-hour special. Included is exclusive footage of Jackson’s Ebony photo shoot from December 2007 — his last U.S. magazine cover shoot — plus never-before-seen photos, videos and interviews. There is also a star-studded tribute from several insiders, including “This Is It” music tour director Michael Bearden, Questlove of The Roots, singer Brian McKnight, Fonzworth Bentley and DJ Rashida from America’s Best Dance Crew. Ebony also offers perspectives from magazine CEO Linda Johnson Rice, Acting Editor-In-Chief/Creative Director Harriette Cole, Senior Writer Clarence Waldron and Senior Photo Editor Dudley M. Brooks.