Superstar

R&B icon Aaliyah ― who helped redefine the genre with her unique mix of old school and new school sound ― continues to inspire and influence music, fashion and culture decades after her untimely death in an August 2001 plane crash. The primetime event explores how Aaliyah emerged as a chart-topping musician, actress on the rise and fashion trendsetter as a young teenager. The program sheds light on the circumstances of her underage marriage to R. Kelly, who has since been convicted as a sex offender, and shows how Aaliyah’s relevance continues as a new generation experiences her music decades later.

Legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor is the blueprint for modern celebrity culture. She was the original influencer ― the first to use her fame to create a fragrance empire and forge frontiers in social activism. On and off the screen, she was larger than life. Known for her striking beauty, she was married eight times to seven different men, pursued by paparazzi around the globe, and even denounced by the Vatican. She also broke the glass ceiling by negotiating the first million-dollar salary in Hollywood. In an exclusive interview with Barbara Walters, she once said, “I know I’ve had an extraordinary life. I realized that it’s like a soap opera. It’s not like an ordinary life at all.” Over a decade after her death, ABC News’ “Superstar” series explores the iconic figure’s life, career and marriages.

She is the “Queen of Country.” Known for her red hair and sassy style, Reba McEntire is one of the most successful female recording artists in country music history. From her humble beginnings on an Oklahoma cattle ranch to her rise as one of country music’s most influential stars, this one-hour special explores the experiences, triumphs and losses that made Reba McEntire a household name. Reba broke barriers and built an entertainment empire by expanding her career to movies, the Broadway stage and television. Rare childhood photos and intimate behind-the-scenes videos reveal her story of grit and determination in a male-dominated industry. The program also sheds light on her marriages, her current relationship with “Big Sky” co-star Rex Linn, and new details of how she dealt with the tragic plane crash that ended the lives of her tour manager and seven members of her band. The star-studded TV event features interviews with artists that know and admire Reba, including Carrie Underwood, Wynonna Judd, Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Nick Jonas, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Dolly Parton and Kristin Chenoweth.

ABC News’ “Superstar” series profiles iconic actor Patrick Swayze and chronicles his rise to fame. “Superstar: Patrick Swayze” tells the dynamic life story of the American heartthrob — from his upbringing around his mother’s ballet company and her fight against segregation to the high school football injury that set him on his path to stardom to his leading roles in the hit films “Dirty Dancing” and “Ghost” and cult classics “Roadhouse” and “Point Break.” Through interviews with co-stars and friends who open up about Swayze for the first time publicly, as well as footage from the ABC News archives, the program provides new insight into Swayze’s courageous spirit, his many talents and the cancer diagnosis that tragically ended his life at the age of 57. The episode features interviews with co-stars Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn, Liam Neeson, Lea Thompson and C. Thomas Howell, as well as family friends Debbie Allen and Jaclyn Smith.

ABC News’ “Superstar” series will chronicle the life and career of legendary pop star George Michael and paint a portrait of one of the most successful artists of all time, who sold over 100 million records worldwide. “Superstar: George Michael” reports on how he reinvented himself from a teenage heartthrob in Wham!, to a global superstar with his solo album “Faith,” and later to groundbreaking artist boldly paving a path for future stars. The program delves into his personal life, including his tragic romance with a Brazilian designer, his personal conflict with fame, the real story of his arrest in a Los Angeles public restroom, and his influential lawsuit against his record company. The hour also features interviews with GRAMMY® Award winning, multiplatinum artist and songwriter Sam Smith who discusses the significant influence Michael had on him; Paula Abdul, who choreographed Michael’s “Faith World Tour”; Rob Kahane, Michael’s longtime manager; Phil Lobel and Michael Pagnotta, Michael’s former publicists; Lucy Jules and Janey Lee Grace, Michael’s backup singers; and journalists and industry insiders who covered his career closely

The new episode recounts his life through Williams’ own voice, describing “the spark of madness” which defined his life. From his early days in the San Francisco Bay Area comedy scene to his meteoric rise on “Mork & Mindy,” the one-hour special explores the experiences that made Williams into a one-of-a-kind talent and reveals what gave voice to the characters in his mind. It also chronicles the creative force driving critically acclaimed films like “Good Will Hunting” and “Dead Poets Society,” as well as fan favorites such as “Aladdin.” The special explores his personal struggles, including substance abuse and depression, and his battle with Lewy Body Dementia before his tragic death in 2014. “Superstar: Robin Williams” features interviews with famous comedians and actors who knew and admired Williams, including Margaret Cho, Howie Mandel, Lewis Black, Jimmie Walker, Paula Poundstone, Gina Hecht and Pauly Shore, as well as Barry Levinson, director of multiple films starring Williams including “Good Morning, Vietnam.” The program also contains interviews with Williams from the ABC News archives, in which he opens up about his life and the highs and lows of his distinguished career.

Using material from the ABC News archives, “Superstar: Richard Pryor” explores the iconic comedian’s complex years growing up in a brothel, how he made his way into the world of show business, and how he found his place by breaking barriers with his honest comedy that depicted the realities of Black America. The primetime event also dives into his issues with drugs, a near-death experience that had a profound impact on him, his multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and his lasting legacy following his death. “Superstar: Richard Pryor” is told not only in Pryor’s own words, through his archival interview with ABC’s Barbara Walters, but also by friends, family and colleagues who knew him best.

The program chronicles how Ritter became a top comedy icon of the 1970s, how he landed his starring role on the ABC hit “Three’s Company,” and how he found success as an actor outside of comedy. The television event also dives into his personal life and sudden and tragic death at just 54 years old that stunned the world. “Superstar: John Ritter” has new interviews with his son, Jason Ritter, and his first wife, Nancy Ritter, who open up about their memories of him and his legacy. The program includes interviews with top actors who worked with and were influenced by Ritter, including “Three’s Company” co-star Suzanne Somers, Bryan Cranston, Jimmy Kimmel, Kaley Cuoco, Henry Winkler and Raven-Symoné. “Superstar: John Ritter” also features footage from the ABC News archives, including Ritter’s interview with ABC News’ Barbara Walters, never-before-seen family videos as well as an interview with Ritter’s wife Amy Yasbeck, on her efforts to raise awareness for the aortic disease Ritter passed away from.

An intimate portrait of one of the most important sports figures of recent times, much of it told in his own words. The immersive program follows the evolution of Bryant, from his roots as a gifted young basketball star struggling to find his place to NBA champion, Oscar®-winner and proud #girldad. The one-hour primetime event explores his genius, on and off the court; his triumphs and indiscretions; complications in his personal life, including an accusation of rape at the height of his career; and his tragic death that shocked the world. In addition to Bryant’s path to becoming the basketball “assassin” and icon known as the “Black Mamba,” the program showcases his dedication to his family, his passion for coaching his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant’s basketball team and how it inspired him to support women’s basketball. “Superstar: Kobe Bryant” features new interviews with Jalen Rose, sports analyst and former NBA player; Caron Butler, a former teammate of Bryant’s; and Tracy McGrady, NBA All-Star, as well as interviews with Bryant from the ABC News archives.

The stunning one-hour premiere will profile music legend Whitney Houston and feature never-before-seen private video showcasing Houston—a Black woman who broke barriers to become a modern pop icon – in a new light. “Superstar: Whitney Houston” features new interviews with those who knew Houston, including musicians Brandy, Chaka Khan, BeBe Winans and Darlene Love; Narada Michael Walden, musician and producer; Michael Bearden, musical director; and Savion Glover, dancer and choreographer. It also includes interviews with Houston and Bobby Brown from the ABC News archives.