‘Leaving Neverland’ Sequel ‘Surviving Michael Jackson’ to Premiere on YouTube in U.S.

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The follow-up to the 2019 documentary titled “Leaving Neverland,” known as “Surviving Michael Jackson,” is now streamable on YouTube in both the United States and Canada.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Little Dot Studios, part of All3Media, has taken ownership of the rights for the sequel in both the U.S. and English Canada! This exciting piece is set to make its debut on Real Stories, our top-tier documentary channel on YouTube. Can’t wait to dive into the story together!

In a follow-up airing on March 18 through Channel 4 in the U.K., “Leaving Neverland 2” will revisit Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who have accused Michael Jackson of sexually abusing them as children. Jackson denied these allegations during his lifetime, and his estate still maintains his innocence. The sequel delves into the ongoing legal fight between Robson and Safechuck, the impact it has had on their lives, and the backlash they faced from Jackson’s massive fanbase. It features exclusive access to court hearings, offering a glimpse into how MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures worked tirelessly to keep the case from going to trial.

Little Dot has announced that the documentary “Surviving Michael Jackson” will appear on YouTube soon after its U.K. debut, without providing an exact date. As per a press release, this decision to premiere the film on YouTube is aimed at expanding its reach and diversity by taking advantage of YouTube’s growing influence as a platform for long-form content consumption.

Dan Reed, the creator of this documentary and head of Amos Pictures, expressed: “Releasing the film on YouTube signifies removing obstacles for viewers. Conventional channels have their limits, but YouTube provides an opportunity for this narrative to reach a wider audience since it’s free to watch. Given its proficiency in digital distribution and dedication to meaningful storytelling, Little Dot Studios is the perfect collaborator to facilitate this exposure. This launch symbolizes a significant stride in how crucial documentaries can be spread and debated among masses.

Paul Woolf, head of unscripted development and executive editor of documentary, nature, and scripted channels at Little Dot Studios, stated: “The sequel to ‘Leaving Neverland’ is a potent and crucial movie that merits viewing by traditional docu-drama enthusiasts as well as the expanding audience on Real Stories. Our established YouTube channels enable us to link this documentary with engaged viewers who are always hunting for thought-provoking content. This release underscores how digital platforms can boost the scope and influence of documentary filmmaking.

As a movie reviewer, I must clarify that the team behind the groundbreaking 2019 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” originally produced by HBO, is not involved in the sequel. In an unexpected turn of events, HBO found itself embroiled in a legal battle with the Jackson estate in 2020. The estate successfully sued HBO for $100 million, alleging that “Leaving Neverland” breached a 27-year-old non-disparagement clause from a 1992 concert film of Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous” tour.

In the year 2009, Jackson, who is no longer alive, faced numerous accusations of child sexual abuse during his professional life. At one point, he even encountered criminal charges, culminating in a publicized trial in 2005. He consistently denied these allegations and was ultimately acquitted on all charges.

The sequel to “Leaving Neverland,” titled so, is produced by both Reed and Marguerite Gaudin. Peter Haddon and Ben Hills are in charge of editing. Iris Maor oversees production, while Adam Vandermark is the commissioner for Channel 4. Sphere Abacus manages international distribution.

2019’s original documentary film was awarded the Emmy for the outstanding documentary or nonfiction special, and it also received the BAFTA TV honor for the top factual series.

Deadline was the first to report the news.

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2025-02-26 14:16