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New Jackson Family Reality Series Heading to Reelz This November

By: Jul. 14, 2014
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REELZ has announced a special television event - LIVING WITH THE JACKSONS (working title) featuring the Jackson family members who grew up inside the Jackson Family Estate and who are now living outside of it for the very first time.

From the charmed and cursed life of the Jackson family, Alejandra Jackson emerges as a single mother to her five children: her two sons, Jaafar and Jermajesty from her marriage to Jermaine Jackson, Genevieve and Randy Jr., Alejandra's daughter and son from her relationship with Jermaine's brother Randy Jackson, and Donte, who Alejandra has raised since he was two years old. Together they are stepping outside of the inner world of the Jackson family and are ready to take on the world and embrace it with all the passion, joy, trials and tribulations that most families deal with but with one more ingredient that no one else on the planet has - they are Jacksons. Living with the Jacksons is produced by ID Productions.

"Jackson is the ultimate name in the world of entertainment and 'Living with the Jacksons' is an excellent fit for our network," said Stan E. Hubbard, CEO of Reelz. "We are committed to providing a rich experience for our viewers and this family's story of loyalty, heartbreak and perseverance is universally relatable."

"The Jackson family's journey has been a topic of interest for decades, and we're fortunate to be able to share this first-hand account with our viewers," said Rob Swartz, SVP of Development and Current Programming at Reelz. "The series provides an emotional and entertaining insight into an extraordinary yet familiar family dynamic, ideal for the network's Hollywood Happens Here programming slate. 'Living with the Jacksons' is truly a show worth finding."

*Working title

The Family

Alejandra

The mother of this amazing brood, Alejandra has navigated the press her entire life and has dealt with the drama of the Jackson family. Alejandra is from Colombia and has never lost her accent, something her kids repeatedly tease her about. As a single mother she has to grapple with letting go of her oldest children the same way all parents must but being a Jackson provides its own set of challenges. Turning her attention to her abandoned career path of fashion design, Alejandra partnered with her brother Franklin in Peru where they plan to relaunch her fashion line.

Genevieve

The oldest of Alejandra's kids, Genevieve is a beautiful and gifted singer and performer facing the task of getting her stalled career and dreams back in high gear. But that won't come easy and the tremendous expectations could short-circuit her ambitions if she isn't careful. Beneath her dream lies the deep pain of an estranged relationship with her father, Randy Jackson, and on top of everything her love life is anything but simple. With an ex-boyfriend producer wanting to work with her, Genevieve has to convince her disapproving mother that she can handle dating and a career at the same time.

Randy Jr.

Alejandra and Randy Jackson's oldest son, Randy Jr., dreams of becoming an actor, producer and mogul but needs extreme determination in order to face the high expectations that come with it. In stark contrast to his sister, Randy Jr. has set himself on a road of forgiveness with his father. He thinks his sister can't let go of the pain and disappointment of the past and won't be able to fully move forward if she doesn't. Always the prankster, Randy Jr. is constantly getting in trouble and plotting the next joke. Like his sister he has a tight rope to walk with the pressures from his mother to focus more on his career and less on his social life.

Donte

Almost the same age as Randy Jr., Donte is the adopted son of Katherine and Joe Jackson. When Donte was two years old his birth mother granted full custody to Joe and Katherine who brought him to the Jackson Estate. Soon after, Alejandra and Jermaine fell in love with this beautiful child and raised him as their own. It was difficult for Donte when Alejandra and Jermaine divorced 13 years later but Alejandra was a passionate mother and never let him go. Donte is thoughtful, quiet and prefers to stay in the background until he's sure of his surroundings. Donte is allowing his story to be told for the first time and his story of adoption is one that holds many surprises and will show the power of love this family holds like no other.

Jaafar

Jaafar is the 17-year-old heartthrob of the bunch and son of Jermaine and Alejandra Jackson. He has a surprising singing voice and his gentle manner disguises his mischievous ways. Like Randy Jr. he's a big joker and is always looking for the best way to trick his sister and brothers. With his 18th birthday quickly approaching Jaafar is ready to celebrate in true Jackson fashion.

Jermajesty

The youngest son of Alejandra and Jermaine Jackson is 13-year-old Jermajesty who is the baby of the family. He is playful and mischievous, and is always around looking for fun. Like his siblings, Jermajesty is working to mold his talents while living in the shadow of his famous aunt and uncle.

Polka Kings

Reelz also set the premiere date for its new original reality series Polka Kings (working title) as Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Polka Kings shows the incredible journey The Chardon Polka Band embarks upon as they try to survive each other and keep their personal and professional lives from derailing their quest for stardom. The group is always finding themselves in crazy situations ranging from private parties in nursing homes, Ukrainian summer camps to the Duct Tape Festival in Avon, Ohio. Each week Polka Kings follows the dynamic group's attempts to break through and achieve mainstream status and their ultimate goal of headlining their dream event: Oktoberfest in Germany. Polka Kings is produced by High Noon Entertainment with Jim Berger, Scott Feeley, Patrick Jager and Ross McCall serving as Executive Producers.

About ID Productions

ID Productions is a Gemini Award winning documentary film and digital media company dedicated to using cinema as a catalyst for social and political change. Our mandate is to create films and media strategies that empower and inspire. Over the years, ID Productions has worked nationally and internationally with a wide range of partners including NFB, CBC, TVO, KNOWLEDGE NETWORK, CTV, OMNI TV, ZDF, ARD AND ARTE.

About High Noon Entertainment

A world-class content creator specializing in formats and character-driven programming, High Noon Entertainment develops, sells and produces across all unscripted genres for broadcast and cable networks, both domestically and internationally. With offices in Denver, Los Angeles and New York, High Noon's busy production slate includes hit shows such as Cake Boss (TLC), Tough Love (VH1), Dude You're Screwed (Discovery), Next Great Baker (TLC), Guinness World Records Unleashed (truTV), Familia de Circo (Tr3s), Trip Flip (Travel) as well as upcoming series Divas Del Azucar (Tr3s), Fixer Upper (HGTV) and Polka Kings (Reelz). In 2013 alone, the company partnered with 20 networks, produced nearly 40 series, pilots and specials and delivered more than 200 hours of programming. High Noon Entertainment is part of ITV Studios, a world leader in television production and distribution.

About ReelzChannel - Hollywood Happens Here(TM)

Reelz is a leading independent cable and satellite general entertainment network, connecting its viewers across America with the magic, wonder and excitement of Hollywood wherever it happens. The network is home to cutting-edge reality programs, compelling television events, miniseries, movies and series featuring big stories and big stars. Programming ranges from the critically-acclaimed and award-winning The Kennedys to Hollywood Hillbillies, Beverly Hills Pawn, OK! TV, Hollywood Scandals and much more that connects directly to the world of entertainment. REELZ also showcases top movie and entertainment experts Leonard Maltin and Richard Roeper who provide specific on-air recommendations for movies viewers can watch at home.

Reelz reaches 68 million homes on DIRECTV channel 238, Dish Network channel 299, Verizon FiOS TV channel 233, AT&T U-verse channels 799/1799HD and cable systems nationwide. Find REELZ in your area by entering your zip code at www.Reelz.com/watch. REELZ is a High-Definition network and if a cable or satellite provider doesn't carry it that way, we encourage viewers to call and ask for REELZ in HD. Owned by Hubbard Media Group, REELZ is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM with national ad sales based out of New York City with offices in Boston and Chicago.



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