While the details aren't clear, one thing is certain, a two-part documentary on Oprah's life will never air after she bought back the rights from Apple TV+ -- halting its distribution.
Oprah worked with Apple on a book club
The Apple TV+ documentary was announced in 2021, which would chronicle the 25 years of American history through the lens of Winfrey in two parts. Kevin MacDonald and Lisa Erspamer headed the project.
After years of silence on the documentary, Page Six has shared that Oprah has bought back the rights to the documentary from Apple TV+ after its completion. There are differing stories from the various sources in this story, but it is certain that the documentary will never air.
One source suggests that Oprah wanted some parts of the documentary changed, and MacDonald refused. Another said it had nothing to do with the content, instead, Oprah thought it "wasn't the right time to do a documentary."
Buying back the rights likely cost a pretty penny, but sources can't agree on how much that may have cost. One says Oprah could have paid Apple TV+ millions for the rights, while another says it isn't in the seven-figure range.
Apple and Oprah have worked together on a few ventures in recent years, from a book club to Apple TV+, but that relationship dissolved in 2022.