The Temptations

The Temptations (1998)

EndedScripted showDrama, Music

They were the band who were Motown's biggest success story. 'The Temptations' became platinum-selling singers, but the combination of arrogance, cocaine addiction and broken relationships brought them down. The true story behind the legendary Motown musical sensation is brought to life in this touching miniseries.

Network
Scheduleevery Monday, Sunday at 21:00 (120 min)

Last Episode

Part 2
Season 1Episode 2120 min

Part 2

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.
Nov 2, 1998

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E02Part 2Nov 2, 1998
S01E01Part 1Nov 1, 1998
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Real Housewives of Miami
Running

The Real Housewives of Miami

Excitement runs high this season as bothJoanna and Adriana plan their dream weddings, but not everything is smooth sailing as Joanna and Romain disagree about a pre-nuptial agreement and Adriana deals with the aftermath of her friends finding out the truth about her relationship with her fiancé. Lea finds new bonds forming and old friendships are put to the test as she tries to prove she is more than just a housewife. Alexia's focus remains on her two sons: Frankie who continues to make strides in his recovery from an automobile accident, and Peter, who is also going through some challenging times in his life. Even though Lisa struggles with fertility issues, she is determined to grow her family and will do whatever it takes to have a baby. Whether strolling down Lincoln Road or sipping mojitos on South Beach, these ladies prove why Miami is one of the sexiest and sultriest cities in the world on The Real Housewives of Miami.

Hazardous History with Henry Winkler
Running

Hazardous History with Henry Winkler

The eight-episode fast-paced, nostalgia-fueled series will take viewers on a thrilling ride through America's past. 

GenreHistory
The Twelve
Running

The Twelve

Twelve citizens are called for jury duty on a high-profile murder trial as traumatizing as it is controversial, in which a woman stands accused of killing her sister's child.

As time goes by, the murder trial becomes a trial, not only for the accused, but for the jury members themselves.

Behind the façade of their anonymity, these twelve ordinary people bring with them their own histories. Lives that are as complex as the trial, full of fractured dreams, shameful secrets, hope, fears, personal trauma and prejudice.

Harry Potter
Upcoming

Harry Potter

A child who inexplicably survives the killing curse teams up to fight the dark wizard who murdered his parents.

Jeopardy!
Running

Jeopardy!

Jeopardy! is a classic game show -- with a twist. The answers are given first, and the contestants supply the questions. Three contestants, including the previous show's champion, compete in six categories and in three rounds (with each round's "answers" being worth more prize money).