The Jacksons: Next Generation

The Jacksons: Next Generation is a confluence of reality television and musical tradition that shines a spotlight on the personal and professional lives of the Jackson family's third generation. Produced by Lifetime in 2015, this engaging American reality television series offers a behind-the-scenes view of the famed musical family, seen through the lens of Taryll, Taj, and TJ Jackson, who compose the R&B group 3T. These sons of Tito Jackson, the original member of The Jackson 5, carry the melodious legacy of the Jackson family on their shoulders, while creating their unique niche in the music industry.

The series offers a captivating account of the challenges and triumphs the brothers face, as they balance building a career in an industry inundated with their family history, while also raising their own families. As the viewers, we're privileged to see how these musicians cope with the weight of the Jackson name, while attempting to establish their distinct musical identity as the group 3T.

The Jacksons: Next Generation is a fascinating portrait of the demands of fame and the personal resilience needed to navigate a life touched by public scrutiny, while honoring a family legacy. The show artfully crafts a narrative that is an engaging mix of drama, reality, and music. Throughout the series, the trio shares heartfelt confessions, rises against adversity, and gives us uplifting moments, all while crafting their intricate harmonies and soulful compositions.

Taj, Taryll, and TJ each bring their unique personalities, struggles, and joys to the screen. Taj Jackson, the eldest of the trio, stands as a beacon of strength and maturity, with his extensive knowledge about the music industry and his unwavering dedication to keep the Jackson family legacy alive. Taryll Jackson, the middle brother, provides a key emotional facet to the series, as he tries to balance his music career, relationships, and fatherhood, often juggling varying degrees of personal hardships. The youngest, TJ Jackson, offers a glimpse into the life of a rising star, who, while enjoying his successful career, acts as a guardian for his younger cousins, reflecting his natural proclivity towards familial responsibility.

The members of the Jackson family, beyond Tito's three sons, also make special appearances in the series, offering their insights and often lending their undeniable charm to the familial narrative. The show, therefore, not only offers an insight into the lives of the younger Jacksons but also weaves the broader family dynamics into the narrative, which is marked by love, strain, solidarity, and the shared history of phenomenal musical achievement. It paints a portrait of a family rooted in its musical traditions, their collective struggle to uphold the reputation garnered by their predecessors, and their shared ambition for musical greatness.

That being said, The Jacksons: Next Generation is not just about music; it delivers a more human, relatable side of these celebrities. Whether it's the struggle of weight loss, the trials of parenting, the repeated nostalgia of looking at family albums, or the stress of planning a concert tour, the brothers face challenges that resonate deeply with the audience.

From Michael Jackson’s enormous influence on their lives to the personal and public issues that linger around their journey, all are unraveled in this show with candidness. Yet, the focus always circles back to music. The shared love of music remains a constant for them, acting as both a therapeutic outlet and a resilient bond that cements them together.

With The Jacksons: Next Generation, Lifetime provides an opportunity to take an intimate look at this celebrated family’s life, both on and off stage. It's a poignant glimpse into their trials, triumphs, their love for each other and their unyielding commitment to honor their family’s rich musical legacy. For fans of the Jackson family, or those with even a fleeting interest in their story, this show provides a compelling and engaging way to understand this musical dynasty. It's a tale of perseverance, love, legacy and, above all, harmonious music that flows through the veins of the next generation of the Jacksons.