TV specials | Recalling the King of Pop

June 25, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

TV went wall-to-wall covering Michael Jackson’s shocking death last June 25. But it’s recognizing the first anniversary of that event in a more subdued way. Only the music channel fuse is running extended coverage for four full days. BET also has some big play, but in sporadic hours. Top Jackson programs are highlighted below, but check channel websites for more shows and details.

MUSIC

“Michael Jackson: Remember His Time” (today 11 a.m., 4 and 9 p.m., also Saturday-Sunday, fuse). Tribute includes blocks of videos, live performances, more. (See fuse.tv for more details.)

“Michael Jackson: Life of a Superstar” (today at 1 p.m., BET). Charting his solo musical career.

“All-Time Top Ten” (today at 4 and 10 p.m., VH1 Classic). Jackson’s greatest videos.

“Michael Jackson’s Top 10 Video Countdown” (today 5-6:30 p.m., Saturday 8-9:30 a.m., MTV). Fan-chosen favorites.

“Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Concert” (today 8-10 p.m., TV One). 2001 all-star celebration: Destiny’s Child, Whitney Houston, Marc Anthony, Elizabeth Taylor and more.

REAL-LIFE DRAMA

“The Jacksons: An American Dream” (today noon-5 p.m. on VH1; Friday 5-10 p.m., VH1 Classic). 1992 miniseries with Lawrence Hilton Jacobs and Angela Bassett as Indiana parents of the musical Jackson boys.

“E! True Hollywood Story” (today 8-10 a.m., 1-3 p.m., E!). Jackson’s 2005 trial for child molestation.

“Michael Jackson: A Tribute” (today at 2 and 9:30 p.m., fuse). Focusing on his charitable work.

“Michael Jackson: The King of Pop” (today 8-10 p.m., BET). Vintage footage and family interviews.

“Man in the Mirror” (today at 10 p.m., TV One). 2004 TV biopic stars Flex Alexander (”One on One”).

Newsday

DEATH

“Famous Crime Scene” (today at 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., VH1). L.A. detectives investigate Jackson’s sudden death.

“E! Investigates: Last Days of Michael Jackson” (today at 3 and 8 p.m. E!). Probe of his death sheds light on his strange life.

“Michael Jackson: The Final Days” (today at 8 and 11 p.m., CNN). News coverage, plus the last rehearsal.

“Michael Jackson: The Inside Story” (today 8-9:30 p.m., fuse). New special looks into his controversial life and death.

“Gone Too Soon” (today 9-11 p.m., TV Guide Network). New documentary examines questions around Jackson’s death.

AND MORE

“Inside the Michael Jackson Mansion” (today at 2 p.m., BET). Tour of the home where Jackson died.

“Michael Jackson’s Entourage: Where Are They Now?” (today at 6 p.m., TVGuide Network). Friends and family after his death.

“Michael Jackson Music and Memories” (today at 11 p.m., QVC). Selling collectibles.