Watch The Temptations

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.

The Temptations is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between April 30, 2002 and on Sonar Entertainment