Remembering MJ: TV one year after Michael Jackson's death

Michael Jackson is shown in this file photo from September... — Michael Jackson is shown in this file photo from September 7, 1995. Credit: AP Photo

By DIANE WERTSSpecial to NewsdayJune 22, 2010

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, blowing out the schedule for four full days, Thursday through Sunday. BET also has some big play, but in sporadic hours. Top Jackson programs are highlighted below, but check channel websites for more shows anddetails.

MUSIC

"Michael Jackson: Remember His Time" (today at 11 a.m., 4and 10 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m., 4 and 9 p.m., also Saturday-Sunday, fuse). Four-day tribute includes blocks of videos, live performances, more. (See fuse.tv for more details.)

"Best of the World Music Awards" (Thursday night 8-10, WWOR/9). Jackson heads a list of memorable performances also featuring Mariah Carey, Beyoncé and more.

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

"All-Time Top Ten" (Friday at 4 and 10 p.m., VH1 Classic). Jackson's greatest videos.

"Michael Jackson's Top 10 Video Countdown" (Friday 5-6:30 p.m., Saturday 8-9:30 a.m., MTV). Fan-chosen favorites.

SEE PHOTOSMichael Jackson's life in photos

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

REAL-LIFE DRAMA

"Best of Oprah: Oprah Remembers Michael Jackson" (today at 4 p.m., WABC/7). Personal tribute.

"The Jacksons: An American Dream" (today 5-10 p.m. and Friday 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" (Friday 8-10 a.m., 1-3 p.m., E!). Jackson's 2005 trial for child molestation.

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

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

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

DEATH

"Famous Crime Scene" (Friday 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" (Friday at 3 and 8 p.m. E!). Probe of his death sheds light on his strange life.

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

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

"Gone Too Soon" (Friday 9-11 p.m., TV Guide Network). New documentary examines questions around Jackson's death.

AND MORE

"Michael Jackson and Bubbles: The Untold Story" (Thursday night at 8 and 11, Animal Planet) - Relationship with chimp.

"The Early Show" (Friday at 7 a.m., CBS/2) - Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony, LL Cool J and Smokey Robinson remember Jackson. James Morrison sings "Man in the Mirror" live.

"Inside the Michael Jackson Mansion" (Friday at 2 p.m., BET). Tour of the home where Jackson died.

"Michael Jackson's Entourage: Where Are They Now?" (Friday at 6 p.m., TVGuide Network). Friends and family after his death.

"Michael Jackson Music and Memories" (Friday at 11, QVC). Selling collectibles.

LOCAL EVENTS

MJ ALL DAY

WHAT WKTU/103.5-FM will commemorate the anniversary of Jackson's death by playing songs from throughout the King of Pop's career - from the Jackson 5 to his would-have-been comeback.

WHEN | WHERE All day Friday on WKTU

INFO thankyoumj.com

SWEET MEMORIES OF MICHAEL

WHAT Not only are there dinner and drink specials - two-for-ones before 7 p.m. - for Sugar's celebration, but the DJs will take you back to when Jackson reigned. John Furino, who spun at Channel 80 back in the day, and Rob James, known for his Jackson mixes and mash-ups, will take part in Jackson tributes all night. Bonus: The club also will concoct special drinks - the Thriller and the Billie Jean - for the evening.

WHEN | WHERE Friday night, Sugar Dining Den and Social Club, 246 Voice Rd., Carle Place

INFO No cover; 516-248-7600, sugarli.co