Series synopsis
Surviving R. Kelly is an American documentary crime television series that premiered on Lifetime on January 3, 2019. It ended on January 3, 2023. It stars R. Kelly, Sparkle, Andrea Kelly and John Legend.
Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, R. Kelly’s genre defining career and playboy lifestyle has been riddled with rumors of abuse, predatory behavior, and pedophilia. 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 ...
Premise
Celebrated as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, R. Kelly’s genre defining career and playboy lifestyle has been riddled with rumors of abuse, predatory behavior, and pedophilia. 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.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- R. Kelly as Self (archive footage)
- Sparkle as Self
- Andrea Kelly as Self
- John Legend as Self
- Wendy Williams as Self
Guest cast
- Bruce kelly as Self - Older brother of R Kelly
- Carey Kelly as Self - Younger brother of R. Kelly
- W. Kamau Bell as Self - Comedian & TV Host
- Jim DeRogatis as Self - Professor/Author
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 15 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | January 3, 2019 | January 5, 2019 |
| Season 2 | 5 | January 2, 2020 | January 4, 2020 |
| Season 3 | 4 | January 2, 2023 | January 3, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Pied Piper of R&B 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 15 year old Aaliyah do little to stop his meteoric trajectory. |
January 3, 2019 |
| 2 |
Hiding In Plain Sight 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. |
January 3, 2019 |
| 3 |
Sex Tape Scandal As journalists uncover a trail of lawsuits and confidential settlements concerning underage girls, an underground sex tape emerges that puts R. Kelly in a compromising position. |
January 4, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
It Hasn't Stopped As the world reels from the release of Surviving R. Kelly, a gun threat wreaks havoc at the premiere. |
January 2, 2020 |
| 2 |
The Settlement Factory 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. |
January 2, 2020 |
| 3 |
Please Come Forward R. Kelly faces his first round of criminal charges after the airing of "Surviving R. Kelly," and survivor Jerhonda Pace reveals a shocking pact she made. |
January 3, 2020 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Final Chapter: 30 Years in the Making 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. |
January 2, 2023 |
| 2 |
Taking a Stand Faith, Jane Doe #6, prepares to face R. Kelly in the courtroom. R. Kelly supporters make their presence known while others face charges and accusations alongside Kelly. |
January 2, 2023 |
| 3 |
Jane Doe #1 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. |
January 3, 2023 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Lifetime |
|---|---|
| First aired | January 3, 2019 |
| Last aired | January 3, 2023 |
| Runtime | 50 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Monday, Tuesday at 21:00:00 |