Access Granted

Access Granted was a groundbreaking music-themed TV show that aired on Black Entertainment Television (BET) from the year 2000. It provided an exceptional platform for music lovers, especially fans of hip hop, R&B, and gospel, granting them exclusive access into the behind-the-scenes realms of some of their favorite artists‘ music video productions or concert preparations. In every episode of Access Granted, viewers are treated to a unique backstage pass, offering an inside look into the intricacies and complexities of the recording, conceptualisation, choreography, styling, and the overall production process of some of the most popular music videos. The show was received very positively for pulling the veil back on such elements, demystifying the famously glamourous music industry and adding a layer of relatability to the glitz and glam. The show lived up to its name by granting exclusive access into the personal and professional lives of music stars, blending both documentary and reality TV elements. It delved beyond the surface, showcasing the struggles, efforts, creativity and team collaboration that goes in behind the final product that fans see on their screens. Episodes included candid interviews with artists, directors, choreographers, stylists, and other key players integral to the creation of music videos, providing an authentic perspective on what it takes to create some of music’s most memorable visual content. What set Access Granted apart from similar shows was the undeniable rapport the presenters often had with the featured artists. This paved the way for genuine conversations and raw insights that helped humanise the often larger-than-life figures of the music industry. Each episode traversed the lifespan of a music video production, from the earliest concept discussions to wrapping up post-production, with the added twist of humorous and heartfelt moments. Access Granted was notable for featuring a diverse range of artists, celebrating both established icons and promising up-and-comers. The likes of Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, Usher, P. Diddy, and Alicia Keys are just a few examples of the big names that were featured on the show. It also highlighted rising talents of the time, emphasizing BET’s commitment to promoting new artists and diversifying the music scene. Each episode of Access Granted ended with the airing of the completed music video, adding a satisfying bookend to the production journey viewers had just witnessed. This served as the climax of each episode and provided a wholesome viewing experience. Viewers not only got a chance to watch the new music video but also left with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the effort that goes into creating these visual masterpieces. The appeal of Access Granted was broad, attracting a wide demographic of viewers. Hardcore music fans were drawn in by the in-depth exploration of their favorite artist’s creative process, pop culture enthusiasts appreciated the inside scoop on one of media’s most influential industries, and casual viewers simply enjoyed the entertainment value that each episode provided. The show’s unique format of combining the glitzy world of music with the raw, uncensored reality of production also made it a standout choice for educators in media-related fields. Access Granted was neither rehearsed nor scripted, which set it apart from many other productions of the time. It offered a real, unedited look into the music industry from an insider’s perspective. It dispelled notions of effortless perfection, demonstrating the hard work, countless hours and, occasionally, the conflicts and disagreements involved in birthing a music video. In summary, Access Granted was an unparalleled behind-the-scenes pass into the world of music video production, providing viewers with a unique, unfiltered view of what happens behind the camera. By allowing viewers to get up close and personal with their favourite music stars, the show created an intimate connection between fans and artists, all the while paying tribute to the art form of music video production.

Access Granted is a series categorized as a canceled. Spanning 7 seasons with a total of 272 episodes, the show debuted on 2001. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 6.4.