NEW YORK– Before Michael Jackson died, his brothers filmed a one-hour pilot for A&E that was supposed to include a reunion performance with Michael. But he never agreed to it, didn't do it, and died before it could be discussed again.

But sources say that A&E will go forward with a series of further episodes that will chronicle the Jackson brothers' lives and show them grappling with Michael's death.

An A&E spokesman declined comment; sources close to the network said the deal for a series isn't done yet. The original A&E deal was for a pilot with provisions for a series.

It hasn't been decided whether the footage that exists will be shaped into half-hour or hour-long sessions.

Meanwhile, the pilot -- which might include at least a reference at its end that Michael has died -- will air on A&E within the month, sources say.

The deal was put together by Danny O'Donovan, who has managed the group since they left Motown in the late 1970s.