Thriller 40 will go behind the scenes of Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking 1982 album, the videos it spawned, and its impact on the world.
The documentary will feature never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage of the making of Thriller and the iconic music videos. Celebrated director, John Landis, who directed the unforgettable “Thriller” video will shed light on its production. Additionally, the film will feature artists who grew up with the album.
In the trailer, Usher, Mary J. Blige, will.i.am, Maxwell, and more speak about the album. Music journalist Steven Ivory starts the trailer with maybe the best description of how important the album was. “There are two things in the music business,” he said, “before Thriller and after Thriller.”
Director Nelson George commented, “The release of Thriller redefined Michael Jackson, taking him from teen star to adult superstar.” The director added that the album and the music videos it inspired, “created a new template for marrying music and image.”
Thriller 40 premieres on Showtime December 2 at 8 p.m. Eastern. It will also be available on Paramount+ for subscribers with Showtime on the same day.