Filming for the pilot episode of A&E's "The Jack5ons: A Family Dynasty," featuring Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon Jackson, wrapped on June 19, 2009.On June 25, their brother Michael died.
"There was never a question in our mind about whether we should stop filming [the series] or not to go forward," Jermaine Jackson told reporters Friday. "We had to stop to mourn, and we're still mourning, but we just feel that the fans are the reason we are here and to continue that connection with them is really important.
"It was the best way to keep the legacy alive in a dignified way," he said.
"The Jack5ons," premiering Dec. 13 at 9 p.m., follows the four brothers as they prepare for a Jackson Five reunion while also coming to terms with Michael's loss.
In the aftermath of Michael's death, and as news of the reality series began to spread, rumors popped up that Michael's children would appear on the series, a notion both Jermaine and executive producer Jodi L. Gomes deny.
"There was never any intention to put Michael's children on the show before or after his death," said Gomes. "We knew we needed to respect Michael's wishes at all times."
"It was never even a question to ask him when he was here to put his kids in the show," added Jermaine. "He kept them private, and we will continue to do that the best we can."
That said, Jermaine and Gomes both said that Michael was very supportive of the show. He cleared all the Jackson 5 music for use in it, and even at one point, hoped to help creatively with the show's opening theme.
Jermaine said they'd even hoped to visit Michael during his concerts and capture some backstage moments for the series.
"I feel [Michael] would be very, very proud [of the show]," said Jermaine. "We're doing what he would have wanted us to do, which is continue on and move forward."
Though Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon are the focus of "The Jack5ons," several of their children, the "second-generation Jacksons," pop up on screen, as well as other family members including their father, Joe Jackson.
"We're definitely going to work him in," said Jermaine. "He is the reason we're doing what we're doing."
Randy, said Jermaine, is still on the fence about appearing on television, while Janet and LaToya haven't yet been involved but will come in at "the proper time."
Jermaine said viewers might be most surprised to see that the Jacksons, though world-famous, are just like any other family.
"With all the things that have been written about the family that are not true, this was a chance to connect with the fans and show the world that we are a family like everyone else," he said. "We get to be ourselves off the stage and that's what we're really excited about."
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