"Trapped In The Closet Returns:" R Kelly, IFC announce third installment of classic Hip-hopera
R Kelly has been shopping a third installment of his magnum opus, "Trapped in the Closet," for several months with little success until the soap opera was picked up by the Independent Film Channel (IFC). The cable channel announced the news on their website on March 20 with a teaser for the new episodes but no information on new plot developments or when they will premiere. REUTERS

R Kelly has been shopping a third installment of his magnum opus, Trapped in the Closet, for several months with little success until the soap opera was picked up by the Independent Film Channel (IFC). The cable channel announced the news on their website on March 20 with a teaser for the new episodes but no information on new plot developments or when they will premiere.

Written and performed by the multi-platinum recording artist R Kelly, the series originally launched in 2005 and became in instant cult classic thanks to its unique blend of impressive vocals, over the top characters and insane plot twists packed with mystery, suspense and drama.

Fans quickly became obsessed with the series and demanded a sequel, which Kelly delivered in 2007. Since then the Hip-hop star has focused his attention else-where, until news broke several months ago that R Kelly was having trouble finding funding for a third installment to the series. Thanks to IFC, which has built a name for itself with quirky shows like Portlandia, all your favorite characters including Sylvester, Rufus, Cathy, Gwendolyn, Bridget, Big Man, Rosie the Nosy Neighbor, Twan and Pimp Lucius are back. The 'hiphopera' wil bring even more outlandish sexual exploits, philandering little people, mysterious packages and guns been waved around recklessly.

The new series will be produced by Sylvester Films Fuzzy Bunny Films; R. Kelly executive produces, writes, stars, and co-directs with Jim Swaffield; Ann Carli is the producer. For IFC, the show is executive produced by Jennifer Caserta, Debbie DeMontreux, Christine Lubrano and Evan Shapiro.

Watch the full Trapped in the Closet series below, or separate chapters on YouTube: Trapped in the closet full

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