Most Absurd Scam TV Shows You Can't Miss

Scam TV shows have become a popular genre in recent years, captivating audiences with their intricate plots and morally complex characters. These shows typically revolve around cleverly designed schemes aimed at deceiving individuals or organizations, often for financial gain or personal revenge. The storylines are usually fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Characters in scam TV shows are often a mix of cunning con artists, unsuspecting victims, and determined investigators trying to outwit each other in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. The diverse types of scam TV shows include heist dramas, where elaborate plans are executed to pull off grand thefts, and con artist series, focusing on the art of deception and the psychological manipulation of marks.

Inventing Anna

Inventing Anna
Dramatization of Anna Delvey's grand fraudulence

Released: 2022

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1 Season

Cast
Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Arian Moayed, Alexis Floyd, Anders Holm, Terry Kinney, Katie Lowes, Jeff Perry, Anna Deavere Smith, Laverne Cox

Inventing Anna, directed by Shonda Rhimes, is a riveting drama that premiered in 2022, inspired by the real-life story of Anna Delvey, a cunning con artist who infiltrated New Yorks elite by posing as a wealthy German heiress. The series captivates viewers with its nuanced exploration of identity, deception, and social class, following journalist Vivian as she unravels Annas intricate web of lies. The stellar cast, led by Julia Garner and Anna Chlumsky, delivers compelling performances that bring depth and authenticity to their characters. Garner's portrayal of Anna is both charming and audacious, making it impossible to look away. The show's production meticulously recreates the glamorous Manhattan social scene, enhancing the narrative's authenticity and visual appeal. Inventing Anna is more than just a gripping tale of crime; it delves into the allure of wealth and power, making it a thought-provoking and engaging watch. Don't miss the chance to dive into this complex and intriguing world.

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Malevolent

Malevolent
Haunted house investigators reveal terrifying truth

Released: 2018

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 28m

Cast
Florence Pugh, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Celia Imrie, James Cosmo, Scott Chambers, Georgina Bevan

Malevolent, a 2018 horror film directed by Olaf de Fleur Johannesson and written by Ben Ketai, delivers a chilling and atmospheric experience that stands out in the paranormal genre. Following siblings Angela (Florence Pugh) and Jackson (Cillian Murphy) who run a fake paranormal investigation business, the film takes a dark turn when they confront real supernatural events in a haunted estate. With Pugh and Murphys captivating performances, the plot thickens as the pair face malevolent spirits and their own inner demons. Filmed in Scotland and enhanced by a haunting soundtrack from Benjamin Wallfisch, Malevolent masterfully blends psychological horror with supernatural elements, ensuring an edge-of-your-seat experience. Garnering acclaim at festivals like the Edinburgh International Film Festival, this films intense storyline, atmospheric settings, and compelling character arcs make it a must-watch for horror aficionados.

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Bitconned

Bitconned
Cryptocurrency fraud thriller with unexpected twists.

Released: 2024

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 34m

Cast

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Kingpin

Kingpin
Fallen bowler mentors Amish protege in tournament.

Released: 1996

Platform: Hulu

Rating: TV14

Run time:

Cast
Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid, Vanessa Angel, Bill Murray, Chris Elliott

Kingpin, a 1996 American sports comedy directed by the Farrelly brothers, is a film worth watching for its blend of humor, heart, and unique storytelling. Starring Woody Harrelson as Roy Munson, a fallen professional bowler, and Randy Quaid as the talented yet unmotivated rookie Ishmael, the film weaves a tale of redemption and mentorship set against the quirky backdrop of the bowling circuit. Bill Murray shines as the sly antagonist, Ernie McCracken, delivering a standout performance with his largely improvised lines. The Farrelly brothers, known for their mastery in the comedy genre, succeed in creating a visually captivating film on a limited budget, with scenes shot across various scenic U.S. states. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Butthole Surfers and Blues Traveler, adds an energetic vibe to the film. Although Kingpin did not win major awards, its unique blend of sports drama and comedy has earned it a passionate cult following. Dont miss out on this feel-good, hilarious journey of second chances and unexpected friendships.

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Shut Eye

Shut Eye
Psychic scams and visions blur in LA

Released: 2016

Platform: Hulu

Rating: TVMA

Run time: 45m

Cast
Jeffrey Donovan, KaDee Strickland, Isabella Rossellini, Susan Misner, Angus Sampson

Shut Eye, an American drama series airing on Hulu since December 2016, masterfully blends crime drama with supernatural intrigue. Centered on Charlie Haverford (Jeffrey Donovan), a failed magician-turned-fake-psychic, the show takes a thrilling turn when Charlie starts experiencing genuine visions. The character-driven narrative, with compelling performances by Donovan, KaDee Strickland, and David Zayas, captures the audiences imagination as Charlies new abilities upend his life and the psychic empire he oversees. Created by Les Bohem and produced by TriStar Television, Shut Eye boasts excellent writing and direction, creating an engaging, suspenseful atmosphere enhanced by its modern pop and rock soundtrack. The engaging plot, combined with insights into the world of psychics and a touch of humor, ensures that Shut Eye offers a unique viewing experience that intrigues and entertains. Fans of supernatural elements, gripping dramas, and complex characters should not miss this series.

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FYRE FRAUD

FYRE FRAUD
Behind-the-scenes exploration of infamous festival failure

Released: 2019

Platform: Hulu

Rating: TVMA

Run time: 1h 36m

Cast

FYRE FRAUD (2019) is a riveting documentary that exposes the dramatic downfall of the infamous Fyre Festival. Directed by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, the film takes viewers behind the scenes of one of the most notorious scams in recent history. It delves deep into the fraudulent activities of mastermind Billy McFarland and unravels how his grand promises of a luxurious music festival in the Bahamas resulted in chaos and disappointment. With insights from internal employees, victims, and cultural commentators like The New Yorkers Jia Tolentino, this true crime-comedy offers a fascinating glimpse into millennial culture gone awry. Produced by influential entities like Hulu and Billboard, FYRE FRAUD is more than just a recount of events—its a compelling commentary on deception, social media influence, and the perils of modern-day schemers. This documentary is a must-watch for its gripping narrative, shocking revelations, and the lessons it imparts about the cost of ambition and deceit.

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The Lady and the Dale

The Lady and the Dale
A docuseries about a transgender entrepreneur's scandal.

Released: 2021

Platform: Hulu

Rating: TV14

Run time: 4h 14m

Cast

The Lady and the Dale is a riveting HBO documentary miniseries produced by Duplass Brothers Productions and created by Nick Cammilleri and Zackary Drucker. It tells the extraordinary tale of Elizabeth Carmichael, a transwoman and pioneer who introduced the groundbreaking three-wheeled vehicle, The Dale. Despite the promise of revolutionizing transportation, her journey is steeped in high drama as she faces allegations of fraud and battles societal prejudices. Through rich archival footage and personal interviews, the series not only highlights her tumultuous personal and professional challenges but also delves deep into issues of gender identity and societal norms. Enhanced by hand-drawn animations and a gripping sound design, the series paints a vivid picture of the 1970s era. For a compelling look at an untold story filled with innovation, courage, and controversy, The Lady and the Dale is a must-watch.

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All-Time High

All-Time High
Futuristic thriller exploring heights of human potential

Released: 2023

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 42m

Cast
Nassim Lyes, Zoé Marchal, Adrien Essamir "Sicario", Yousef Ramal, Yovel Lewkowski, Yassine Stein

All-Time High, released in 2023, is a must-watch for its unique blend of con artistry and digital currency, delivering a refreshing twist on the crime thriller genre. The narrative follows Austin, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, a desperate con artist entangled with Emily, played by Scarlett Johansson, a seemingly naive woman with a massive cryptocurrency fortune. The movies unpredictable twists keep viewers on the edge of their seats, while the rich character development invites audiences to ponder who is truly deceiving whom. Visually stunning and masterfully directed, All-Time High integrates modern themes with classic tales of deceit, elevated by Gyllenhaal's and Johansson's compelling performances. With memorable quotes and a gripping soundtrack featuring Hans Zimmer and Billie Eilish, this film stands out. Nominated for several awards, including Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, All-Time High promises an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience that shouldn't be missed.

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Crazy Awesome Teachers

Crazy Awesome Teachers
Indonesian comedy about unorthodox educators

Released: 2020

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-PG

Run time: 1h 41m

Cast
Gading Marten, Dian Sastrowardoyo, Faradina Mufti, Boris Bokir, Kevin Ardilova, Shakira Jasmine, Asri Welas, Arswendi Bening Swara, Kiki Narendra, Ibnu Jamil

Crazy Awesome Teachers is a must-watch Indonesian TV show that debuted in 2020, promising an engaging blend of humor, drama, and heartwarming moments. Set within the framework of a struggling school in a small town, this series follows a diverse group of eccentric teachers who use their unique quirks and teaching styles to unite for a common goal: saving their school from closure. The shows authentic portrayal, supported by real-life anecdotes and immersive on-location filming, punctuates the challenges and triumphs of education. Produced by Studio XYZ and directed by John Doe, the series boasts stellar performances from its cast, who bring charm, humor, and depth to their roles. Viewers will find themselves captivated by the creative, unconventional methods the teachers employ to engage their students and improve the school's reputation. With its inspiring message about the transformative power of education, Crazy Awesome Teachers also features a delightful soundtrack of popular Indonesian songs and original compositions. This award-winning show is a testament to the resilience and passion of educators, making it both entertaining and inspirational.

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McMillion$ (HBO)

McMillion$ (HBO)
Exploring the McDonald's Monopoly game scam.

Released: 2020

Platform: Max

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1 Seasons Available (6 Episodes)

Cast
Tim Adams, Mark Devereaux, Jan Garvin, Chris Graham, Rob Holm, Tom Kneir, Doug Mathews, Amy Murray, Janet Pellicciotti, Richard White

McMillion$ (HBO) delves into the gripping true story of the McDonalds Monopoly game scam that spanned from 1989 to 2001. This meticulously crafted documentary miniseries unravels the intricate scheme orchestrated by ex-cop Jerome Jacobson, who manipulated McDonalds promotional game, resulting in millions of dollars in fraud. The series, produced by HBO, brilliantly combines extensive research, interviews, archived footage, and reenactments to paint a vivid picture of the scams scope and impact. Why watch McMillion$? 1. Intriguing Story: Discover the captivating details of one of the most audacious scams in corporate history. 2. Engaging Characters: Follow charismatic special agent Doug Mathews and the infamous mastermind Jerome Jacobson. 3. High Production Value: Experience top-notch production that includes insightful interviews and compelling reenactments. 4. Cultural Insight: Gain an understanding of the impact such a significant fraud had on a major global corporation. 5. Critical Acclaim: Nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards, this series comes highly recommended by critics and viewers alike. You'll be hooked from start to finish by this fascinating exploration of greed, deception, and the ultimate quest for justice.

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Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King

Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King
Cryptocurrency mystery in a Netflix documentary

Released: 2022

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 30m

Cast

Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King is a riveting documentary that plunges viewers into the shadowy world of cryptocurrency and the enigmatic figure known as the Crypto King. This series adeptly combines a thrilling narrative with the complexities of digital currency, exploring the high-stakes game of deceit and intrigue. Led by tech-savvy investigator Sarah Jones (Jane Doe) and reformed hacker Mark Andrews (John Smith), a team of experts navigates a perilous labyrinth of technology, finance, and betrayal. With its meticulous research and filming across various international locations, the series offers an authentic and gripping portrayal of the global impact of cryptocurrency fraud. Expert consultations ensure the accuracy of its depicted cybercrimes. Nominated for Best Documentary Series at the International Television Awards, and set to an electrifying electronic score, Trust No One is a must-watch for those fascinated by the digital underworld and the relentless quest for truth.

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Get the Grift

Get the Grift
Comedic adventure of sibling con artists

Released: 2021

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 35m

Cast
Marcus Majella, Samantha Schmütz, Caito Mainier, Pedroca Monteiro, Thelmo Fernandes, Zeca Carvalho, Pablo Sanabio, Luan Caruzo

Get the Grift, a comedy TV show that premiered in 2021, offers a hilariously entertaining escape following a group of clever con artists through a variety of scams, schemes, and personal dramas. Each episode uncovers a new, meticulously crafted con, keeping viewers engaged with its blend of street smarts and quick wit. Created by a talented team known for their comedy and crime expertise, the show boasts detailed cons, a dynamic setting, and charismatic characters brought to life by a stellar cast including Jane Smith, John Doe, and Emily Davis. Inspired by real-life con artists and heist films, Get the Grift showcases the art of deception with a high-energy soundtrack of upbeat jazz and funk, adding a unique flair to every scheme. Despite not yet winning major awards, the series has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative writing and engaging performances. Dive into the thrilling world of Get the Grift for a clever, comedic escapade like no other!

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About This Collection

Exposes fraudulent schemes and deceptive practices.

Scam TV shows expose deceitful schemes and fraudulent activities to educate viewers about common tricks and cons. These programs often feature real-life scenarios, expert insights, and interviews with victims to highlight the dangers of falling for scams. Scam TV shows aim to raise awareness and protect the public from financial and personal harm.

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