Watch The Temptations

TV-PG
2002
1 Season
8.4 (4,945)

The Temptations is a two-part miniseries produced by Sonar Entertainment in 1998. The show tells the story of one of the most successful and influential vocal groups of all time, The Temptations. The six-man ensemble, formed in Detroit in the early 1960s, rose to fame with a string of hits that helped define the Motown sound and paved the way for future generations of R&B and soul singers. The first episode of the miniseries is titled "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" and covers the early years of the group, starting with their early struggles and frustrations with the music industry in Detroit. After a chance meeting with Berry Gordy Jr., founder of the fledgling Motown label, the group lands a recording contract and begins to make a name for themselves with the help of legendary songwriters like Smokey Robinson and Norman Whitfield. The episode follows the group as they navigate the ups and downs of their newfound success, including the pressures of touring, tensions within the group, and the challenges of being a black group in a predominantly white industry. Along the way, we see the group's sound evolve from doo-wop-influenced harmonies to a more soulful, politically conscious style. The second episode, "The Temptations vs. The Four Tops," picks up where the first left off and follows the group through the 1970s and beyond. As the group's success continues to grow, they are faced with new challenges, including drug addiction, personnel changes, and the changing landscape of the music industry. The episode also explores the group's involvement in the civil rights movement and their partnership with Martin Luther King Jr. The climactic scene of the series features the group's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. One of the strengths of The Temptations miniseries is its strong cast of actors, many of whom bear an uncanny resemblance to the real-life members of the group. Leon Robinson, best known for his role in the basketball film Above the Rim, plays group founder and frontman David Ruffin, while Charles Malik Whitfield portrays Otis Williams, the group's de facto leader and longest-serving member. Other notable cast members include Terron Brooks as Eddie Kendricks, D.B. Woodside as Melvin Franklin, and Christian Payton as Paul Williams. The actors all do an excellent job of bringing the group's dynamic personalities to life, capturing their distinctive vocal styles and mannerisms. The show also features several notable musical performances, including renditions of the group's biggest hits like "My Girl," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." The soundtrack for the series was released on CD and features newly recorded versions of these classic songs, as well as a few new tracks written specifically for the show. Overall, The Temptations miniseries is an entertaining and informative look at one of the most important groups in the history of American music. The series does an excellent job of balancing drama and musical performances, and the strong performances from the cast make it a must-watch for fans of the group.

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Seasons

2. 1-02

May 1, 2002

David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams and Otis Williams are five former street corner singers who managed to become Motown legends. With a sound that's doo-wop, pop and hip-hop, they are rhythm and blues royalty. The Temptations had 16 #1 singles on the Billboard charts and received three Grammy Awards. But the climb to the top was plagued by competing egos andamp; repeated drug and alcohol abuse. In 1958 Detroit, Michigan, 17-year-old singer Otis Williams partners with 16-year-old Melvin Franklin to form The Siberians. They quickly come to the attention of Johnnie Mae Matthews who becomes their manager, producer and promoter. Meanwhile, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams are burning up the stages of Detroit as The Primes, who are already signed to Motown by entrepreneur/producer Berry Gordy. After Johnnie Mae drops The Siberians, and after The Primes disband, Paul, Eddie, Otis and Melvin join to become The Temptations, eventually adding David Ruffin to the group. With their first hit "The Way You Do The Things You Do," The Temptations begin touring with the Motortown Revue, doing the standard "one-nighters" andamp; living in cheap hotels. Life on the road proves to be difficult for the young men, which leads Paul into alcohol dependency andamp; Otis to infidelity. The hit "My Girl" sends the group soaring to the top of the charts, but personal demons plague each of the members. Even after "Cloud Nine" wins The Temptations their first Grammy, their personal lives continue to disintegrate. Eventually, the group is inducted into the 'Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,' but the group overall pays a heavy price. David Ruffin dies of a cocaine overdose; Eddie Kendricks develops lung cancer and Melvin Franklin dies from overmedication. Today, Otis Williams continues to tour with a revised lineup of The Temptations, keeping alive the hot sounds and memories of Eddie, David, Paul and Melvin.

1. 1. The Temptations - The Complete Miniseries Part 1

The true story behind the legendary Motown musical sensation is brought to life in this touching miniseries.

Description

The first episode of the miniseries is titled "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" and covers the early years of the group, starting with their early struggles and frustrations with the music industry in Detroit. After a chance meeting with Berry Gordy Jr., founder of the fledgling Motown label, the group lands a recording contract and begins to make a name for themselves with the help of legendary songwriters like Smokey Robinson and Norman Whitfield. The episode follows the group as they navigate the ups and downs of their newfound success, including the pressures of touring, tensions within the group, and the challenges of being a black group in a predominantly white industry. Along the way, we see the group's sound evolve from doo-wop-influenced harmonies to a more soulful, politically conscious style.

The second episode, "The Temptations vs. The Four Tops," picks up where the first left off and follows the group through the 1970s and beyond. As the group's success continues to grow, they are faced with new challenges, including drug addiction, personnel changes, and the changing landscape of the music industry. The episode also explores the group's involvement in the civil rights movement and their partnership with Martin Luther King Jr. The climactic scene of the series features the group's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

One of the strengths of The Temptations miniseries is its strong cast of actors, many of whom bear an uncanny resemblance to the real-life members of the group. Leon Robinson, best known for his role in the basketball film Above the Rim, plays group founder and frontman David Ruffin, while Charles Malik Whitfield portrays Otis Williams, the group's de facto leader and longest-serving member. Other notable cast members include Terron Brooks as Eddie Kendricks, D.B. Woodside as Melvin Franklin, and Christian Payton as Paul Williams. The actors all do an excellent job of bringing the group's dynamic personalities to life, capturing their distinctive vocal styles and mannerisms.

The show also features several notable musical performances, including renditions of the group's biggest hits like "My Girl," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." The soundtrack for the series was released on CD and features newly recorded versions of these classic songs, as well as a few new tracks written specifically for the show.

Overall, The Temptations miniseries is an entertaining and informative look at one of the most important groups in the history of American music. The series does an excellent job of balancing drama and musical performances, and the strong performances from the cast make it a must-watch for fans of the group.