Plot Synopsis

SURVIVING R. KELLY is a three-night, six-part documentary series that chronicles R&B singer R. Kelly's career and playboy lifestyle -- which has been riddled with rumors of abuse, predatory behavior, and pedophilia -- and features interviews with survivors and their families. Despite damning evidence and multiple witnesses, to date, none of these accusations have seemingly affected him. For the first time ever, survivors and people from R. Kelly's inner circle are coming forward with new allegations about his sexual, mental, and physical abuse. They are now finally ready to share their full story and shed light on the secret life the public has never seen. With over 50 interviews including civil rights activist Tarana Burke, musicians John Legend and Sparkle, talk-show host and former DJ Wendy Williams, ex-wife Andrea Kelly, ex-girlfriend Kitti Jones, brothers Carey and Bruce Kelly, and many others, the true story of R. Kelly's controversial past will be revealed beginning in 1970 through present day, shedding light on the R&B star whose history of alleged abuse of underage African American girls has, until recently, been largely ignored by mainstream media. Lifetime premieres back-to-back episodes from 9-11pm ET/PT on three consecutive nights, beginning Thursday, January 3, 2019:

"The Pied Piper of R&B" (9pm on Thu Jan 3): As R. Kelly rises to fame and power as an R&B icon, he forms relationships with younger singers and dancers. Rumors about his marriage to a fifteen-year-old Aaliyah do little to stop his meteoric trajectory.

"Hiding in Plain Sight" (10pm on Thu Jan 3): After his marriage to Aaliyah is annulled, R. Kelly continues to soar on top of the charts. A talented choreographer becomes the new Mrs. Kelly in a secret ceremony.

"Sex Tape Scandal" (9pm on Fri Jan 4): As journalists uncover a trail of lawsuits and confidential settlements concerning underage girls, am underground sex tape emerges that puts R. Kelly in a compromising position.

"The People vs. R. Kelly" (10pm on Fri Jan 4): R. Kelly goes to trial in Chicago on multiple counts of child pornography for his alleged participation in a sex tape involving a minor.

"All the Missing Girls" (9pm on Sat Jan 5): Parents of girls in R. Kelly's camp accuse him of keeping them psychologically and sexually imprisoned. One mother fights to get her daughter back -- and wins.

"Black Girls Matter." (10pm on Sat Jan 5): As other major public figures fall from grace, women's groups come forward to take aim against the sexually brazen superstar. Is R. Kelly's time finally up?


Lifetime premiered SURVIVING R. KELLY, PART II: THE RECKONING, the show's second season, as a three-night event, beginning on Thursday, January 2, 2020. The new season features interviews from a variety of perspectives including with new survivors, supporters, psychologists and cultural and legal experts, and more insights into the ever-growing saga of the R&B singer, who is currently facing federal and state charges. The three-night event uncovers new stories with revealing details and explores why the voices of the girls that spoke up decades ago are only now being heard. The new episodes include commentary from investigative journalist and author Jim DeRogatis; music industry insiders Damon Dash, Mathew Knowles and Jimmy Maynes; #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; comedian and host W. Kamau Bell; actress Sheryl Lee Ralph; radio personality Angela Yee; cultural critic Jamilah Lemieux' and State's Attorney for Cook County Kimberly M. Foxx, Episodes include:

"It Hasn't Stopped" (Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 9pm): As the world reels from the release of SURVIVING R. KELLY, a gun threat wreaks havoc at the premiere.

"The Settlement Factory" (Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 10pm): Tiffany Hawkins, the first person to attempt to hold R. Kelly legally responsible for his actions, breaks her silence and tells her story on camera after more than two decades.

"Please Come Forward" (Friday, January 3, 2020 at 9pm): R. Kelly faces his first round of criminal charges after the airing of SURVIVING R. KELLY, and survivor Jerhonda Pace reveals a hocking impact she made.

"After the Rescue" (Friday, January 3, 2020 at 10pm): R. Kelly is released from jail and does a controversial interview with Gayle King. Following her rescue by her mother in SURVIVING R. KELLY, Dominique Gardner speaks on camera for the first time.

"Bring Our Girls Home" (Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 8pm): As R. Kelly is taken into federal custody without bail, the families of Joycelyn Savage and Azriel Clary wonder if their daughters will ever return home.
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SURVIVING R. KELLY: THE FINAL CHAPTER, the third season of the series, debuted on Monday, January 2, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT on Lifetime. The two-night event focuses on the fall out of the former R&B superstar's crimes as he faces multiple federal and state trials. While millions have read the headlines, the final chapter connects the shocking fine print with unspeakable details never shared with the public, culminating in the verdict heard around the world. Night one follows Angelo Clary's recount of Azriel Clary's journey as its revealed she was instructed to lie in the infamous R. Kelly interview with Gayle King. The family also details the intimidation tactics launched at the family by R. Kelly supporters while legal experts and journalists provide insight on racketeering charges Kelly faces. Night one also provides an inside look at the aftermath of the infamous gun threat at the premiere screening of the documentary. Night two focuses on Jane Doe #1 and the revelation of John Does who take the stand as new survivors also emerge. The series concludes with the survivors sharing their victim impact statements as they hear the final verdict against R. Kelly. Episodes include:

"30 Years in the Making" (Monday, January 2, 2023 at 9pm): R. Kelly's New York Federal trial is underway. Survivors and their family members bravely recount harrowing stories that paved the way to the monumental day.

"Taking a Stand" (Monday, January 2, 2023 at 10pm): Faith, Joe Doe #6, prepared to face R. Kelly in the courtroom. R. Kelly supporters make their presence known while others face charges and accusations alongside Kelly.

"Jane Doe #1" (Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 9pm): Aaliyah, Jane Doe #1, becomes the cornerstone of the New York Federal trial. A new survivor comes forward after nearly 30 years of remaining quiet.

"The Verdict" (Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 10pm): A new survivor takes the stand. Journalists react to shocking evidence played in the courtroom. Survivors, journalists, and cultural critics weigh in on the final verdict to the trial.