Lionsgate Sound’s Scamanda podcast was a hit with listeners, and now it is proving to be a big draw on television as well. The series has had 5.7 million viewers across ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and other digital platforms, making it the most-streamed series premiere ever for ABC News Studios. According to Variety, the series has also seen its audience grow week-to-week. Episodes have aired on Thursday nights on ABC-TV and have then become available each Friday on Hulu.
The television docuseries based on the No. 1 podcast of the same name unravels the story of California native Amanda Riley, a young wife, mother and devout Christian whose life suddenly takes a terrible turn when she is diagnosed with Stage 3 blood cancer. Amanda begins documenting her battle online, captivating thousands, but she has a secret that she is dying to keep. Her story changes from inspiration to suspicion when someone sends an anonymous tip to investigative producer Nancy Moscatiello, who then embarks on a five-year-long investigation into Amanda. Soon, Amanda’s own words prove to be her downfall.
The TV series features new and exclusive interviews, including police and an IRS investigator who covered the case, former friends of Amanda’s, and a neuropsychologist who provides insight into the mind of a scammer; communications between Amanda and podcast host, Charlie Webster; exclusive access to archival assets; materials collected by Moscatiello during her investigation and more.
The series is offering a primer in how television studios are using podcasts to develop content. The Scamanda podcast is produced by Lionsgate Sound with corporate sister Pilgrim Media Group, a division of Lionsgate Alternative Television, producing the TV show for ABC News Studios.
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