With the recent release of new biopics about Salt-N-Pepa and Wendy Williams, what better time than to look back at some of previous shows that kicked off the trend.
Letâs be honest. Biopics of our favorite stars have become a guilty viewing pleasure. Anytime we hear the words âbased on a true story,â we are ready to pull up with popcorn and tune in to the drama.
Whether these made-for-TV movies hit a home run in their retellings or completely miss the mark is a whole different story. Either way, we love them and love to hate them (just ask Black Twitter). And there are some that have undoubtedly captured our memories for being such polarizing productions.
Here are 10 biopics that will forever be known for capturing the best and worst of their subjects.
âThe Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospelâ
This look at the Grammy-winning, highest-selling female gospel group in history could have been a whole miniseriesâwith just the sisters sanging. The harmonies were everything! The film took us through flawless song recreations of sisters Jacky Clark Chisholm, Denise âNiecyâ Clark Bradford, Elbernita âTwinkieâ Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard, while showing their mother Dr. Mattie Moss Clarkâs no-time-for-mess philosophy. (Donât get caught with gum, Mama Clark is throwing shoes!)
Lifetime, 2020
âSurviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’leâ
â90s R&B singer Michelâle may have been missing from âStraight Outta Compton,âbut she is all over this Lifetime film. The powerhouse vocalist finally got to tell her side of the story, after surviving abuse from her former Death Row lover Dr. Dre, and husband, Suge Knight.
Lifetime, 2016
âWhitneyâ
This film about the meteoric rise and tragic death of the late RE&B legend Whitney Houston was shrouded in all sorts of drama before it even aired. Houstonâs family didnât want it released and Houstonâs songs even had to re-recorded by Deborah Cox for the film. The controversy, of course, made us want to watch it even more and it pulled in killer ratings.
Lifetime, 2015
âThe New Edition Storyâ
This three-part miniseries just might be the new gold standard for music biopics. All six membersâBobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, and Johnny Gillâsigned on as executive producers to give us a breakdown of their entire careers. Longtime fans got to see New Editionâs upbringings and drama in a whole new light and relive some of their favorite moments. Everything was on point, from the casting that showcased a new generation of actors and singers who are now part of R&B history to the retro hairstyles and wardrobe.
BET, 2017
âThe Bobby DeBarge Storyâ
Speaking of hair, be prepared to laugh at this biopicâs attempts of capturing the style and looks of the late â70s and early â80s. Before there was El DeBarge, there was Bobby. The film follows the second eldest DeBargeâs rise to fame as the lead singer of Motown Recordsâ Switch band, while he battled abuse and addiction.
TV One, 2019
âToni Braxton: Unbreak My Heartâ
This behind-the-scenes look at the R&B diva debuted as Lifetimeâs top-rated movie, even surpassing âWhitney.â The feel-good film was supported by Braxton, herself, and the rest of her sisters, as it was based on her best-selling memoir, Unbreak My Heart.
Lifetime, 2016
âThe Jacksons: An American Dreamâ
This five-hour miniseries is arguably the GOAT of biopics. Before streaming and YouTube, we were glued to our television screens to watch Joe Jackson (literally) whip the history-making group into shape as they became one of the most successful music families and household names.
ABC, 1992
âAaliyah: The Princess of R&Bâ
As much as we love the artist affectionately known as âBaby Girl,â this movie was an entire fail. Aaliyahâs family and estate have consistently been protective of anything that bears her name and we understood wholeheartedly with this production. The casting was so bad, it even inspired the viral hashtag #LiftimeBeLike. If youâre into watching train wrecks while tweeting, this oneâs for you.
Lifetime, 2014
âCrazySexyCool: The TLC Storyâ
In just casting alone, this was a definite winner. Niatia “Lil Mama” Kirkland, Keke Palmer, and Drew Sidora actually resembled their relief characters of Lisa âLeft Eyeâ Lopez, Chilli, and T-Boz. And, Lil Mama played her so well, she had folks wondering if she should have been an actress rather than a rapper.
Lifetime, 2013
âThe Simone Biles Story: Courage To Soarâ
This is a must-watch simply to learn more about Bilesâ journey to becoming the most decorated gymnast in the U.S. and the third most decorated gymnast in the entire world. The story is based on Bilesâ autobiography, âCourage to Soar: A Body in Motion, A Life In Balance.â
Lifetime, 2019
âLife Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Storyâ
This film just came too soon for the former American Idol finalist. Weâre sure it was meant to position her for stardom as we learned about her rags-to-riches story. But, her real-life happenings since then have definitely provided some more scandalous than-reality-TV movements that could have had us glued to our devices.
Lifetime, 2006
Stephenetta Harmon is a Black beauty editor, curator, and digital media and communications expert who builds platforms to celebrate the power, impact, and business of Black beauty. She is the former EIC for Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (2018-19) and current host of MSR Forefront, a digital roundtable series. She is the founder of Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide, the premier directory dedicated to Black-owned hair and beauty businesses. Find her at stephenetta.com.