In efforts to score February rating "sweeps" victories, NBC and ABC will air separate documentaries that look at the life of Michael Jackson [ tickets ].

NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker announced last month that the network would air a special episode of "Dateline" focusing "on Michael Jackson's face." Network officials have since said that the program, scheduled to air on Feb. 17 under the title "Michael Jackson Unmasked," would be a deeper look at the star's life and career, including the transformation of his looks. A plastic surgeon who treated Jackson is among the people interviewed.

Not to be outdone, ABC announced this week that it had purchased the rights to air "Living with Michael," a documentary by British journalist Martin Bashir. The program will air as a two-hour edition of "20/20" on Feb. 7.

According to Reuters, NBC may move up the date of its Michael Jackson program in response to ABC's announcement. ABC reportedly outbid NBC and other suitors for the U.S. rights to Bashir's documentary, which will air in the U.K. on Feb. 3.

Bashir's documentary includes footage of Jackson with his children, as well as a look at his life at his Neverland Ranch in Southern California. Bashir amassed interviews with Jackson over eight months, and reportedly was with Jackson in a Berlin hotel room when the singer dangled his baby outside the window for fans below to see.