Surviving R. Kelly
| Surviving R. Kelly | |
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| Genre | Documentary |
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| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 15 |
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| Running time | 44–60 minutes |
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| Original release | |
| Network | Lifetime |
| Release | January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2023 |
Surviving R. Kelly is a Lifetime documentary detailing sexual abuse allegations against American singer Robert "R." Kelly. Its first season aired over three nights, from January 3 to January 5, 2019. Filmmaker and music critic Dream Hampton served as executive producer together with Joel Karsberg, Jesse Daniels and Tamra Simmons. Musicians Chance the Rapper, John Legend and Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards appeared in the documentary. Its premiere episode on January 3, 2019, was Lifetime's highest-rated program in more than two years, with 2 million total viewers. It received critical acclaim, with a 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The documentary also spurred several musicians who previously collaborated with Kelly on projects, including Lady Gaga and Ciara, to condemn Kelly and remove their works with him from streaming services.
Shortly after the docuseries aired, Kelly's final record label, RCA Records, dissolved its working relationship with him and effectively ended his career. In February 2019, Kelly was arrested and charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. In June 2022, Kelly was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison in connection with his sexual crimes.
On December 11, 2019, it was announced that there would be a second season titled Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning, which premiered on January 2, 2020. A final season titled Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter, was announced on December 15, 2022 and premiered on January 2, 2023.