Surviving Michael Jackson: The Sequel to Leaving Neverland Set to Air on Channel 4

Feb 21, 2025

Dan Reed’s documentary Leaving Neverland is set to receive a follow-up. The new film, titled Surviving Michael Jackson, is scheduled to air on Channel 4 in the UK on 18 March. Running for approximately an hour, the sequel will revisit Wade Robson and James Safechuck as they continue their legal fight for justice after publicly accusing Michael Jackson of sexual abuse in 2013 and 2014.

Why HBO Won’t Air the Sequel

Unlike Leaving Neverland, which was exclusively broadcast in the USA by HBO, Surviving Michael Jackson will not be aired by the network. This is likely due to the legal dispute between HBO’s parent company, WarnerMedia, and the Jackson Estate.

After the release of Leaving Neverland in 2019, the estate sued WarnerMedia, alleging the documentary violated a 27-year-old non-disparagement clause related to exclusive broadcasting rights they obtained for Jackson’s Dangerous tour concert film from 1992. 

For more than five years, the documentary remained available on HBO’s streaming service. However, at some point, it quietly disappeared, sparking speculation about the reasons behind its removal. Some have questioned whether the Michael Jackson Estate successfully won its legal battle against HBO, while others believe a private agreement was reached between the two parties.

The truth remains uncertain. Since the legal dispute was handled through a private arbitration process, there has been no public disclosure of the outcome, and official updates have been scarce. Unlike standard court proceedings, private arbitration keeps details confidential, meaning the terms of any resolution—if one was reached—may never be publicly revealed.

HBO has continued working with Reed, airing his 2024 documentaries The Truth vs. Alex Jones and Stopping the Steal. 

Where to Watch Leaving Neverland 2

For viewers in the UK, Surviving Michael Jackson is scheduled to air on Channel 4 at 9 PM on 18 March. If you miss the live broadcast, the documentary will also be available via Channel 4’s online catch-up service and YouTube channel.

For North American audiences, it will be available via the Real Stories YouTube channel.

This sequel focuses on the toll the allegations have taken on Robson and Safechuck. Since going public, both men have faced relentless backlash from Jackson’s fanbase. As they continue their pursuit of justice, the documentary promises “exclusive access to court hearings,” highlighting the legal struggles they have faced and the obstacles placed by the Jackson Estate to prevent their case from being heard.

A Third and Final Instalment

Dan Reed has confirmed that Leaving Neverland will receive a third and final instalment, this time shifting focus entirely to the trial itself. While the first two documentaries examined the allegations and their aftermath, this concluding chapter will document the legal battle as Wade Robson and James Safechuck attempt to present their case in court against the Michael Jackson Estate.

However, the legal proceedings are not expected to begin until at least late 2026, possibly even later, depending on delays and court schedules.

Despite the lengthy timeline, Reed is committed to bringing closure to the story, ensuring that audiences gain a complete picture of the allegations, the legal arguments, and the final verdict—whenever it arrives.

Michael Jackson’s History with Abuse Allegations

Jackson’s first public accusation came in 1993 when Jordan Chandler alleged sexual abuse, leading to an out-of-court settlement reportedly worth over $15 million. In 2003, Gavin Arvizo accused Jackson of similar misconduct, resulting in a widely publicised trial in 2005. Jackson was acquitted due to reasonable doubt, but speculation around his behaviour continued for years.

The release of Leaving Neverland reignited debates about Jackson’s legacy, with some believing the documentary validated existing concerns while others accused its subjects of deception. The divide remains strong, and Surviving Michael Jackson is expected to further fuel the controversy.

Production and Impact

Surviving Michael Jackson is produced by Dan Reed through Amos Pictures, with Marguerite Gaudin serving as producer. The editing team includes Peter Haddon and Ben Hills, while Iris Maor heads production. Adam Vandermark is the Channel 4 commissioner, and Sphere Abacus is handling international sales.

Leaving Neverland was widely acclaimed, winning an Emmy for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special and a BAFTA TV Award for Best Factual Series. It reshaped public discourse about Jackson and brought renewed attention to abuse allegations within the entertainment industry.

What Response Will the Documentary Face?

As Surviving Michael Jackson nears release, the question remains—how will Jackson’s estate and fans react?

The original documentary was met with widespread misinformation, online harassment, and extreme backlash from Jackson’s supporters. Will history repeat itself, with another wave of aggressive counterclaims? Or will responses be more subdued this time, recognising that hostility only amplifies public interest in the documentary?

I guess time will tell.

You can watch the 4 hour version of Leaving Neverland on YouTube, though you may need to use a VPN if you live in either the UK or USA.