Ep 1. Hook, Line and Sucker

On the premiere episode of American Greed season 1, titled "Hook, Line and Sucker," viewers get a glimpse into the mind of one of the most notorious financial fraudsters in recent history. The episode centers around the life and crimes of Lou Pearlman, the man behind the success of several boy bands, including the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.

The documentary-style show begins by introducing Pearlman as a savvy businessman who catapulted to fame in the 1990s by discovering and promoting some of the most successful pop acts of the decade. But as the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Pearlman's success was built on a foundation of lies and deceit.

With interviews from former colleagues, investors, and victims, the episode carefully unpacks the elaborate scheme that Pearlman devised over the years to con unsuspecting individuals out of millions of dollars. Through a combination of false promises, doctored financial reports, and outright lies, Pearlman convinced people to invest in his fake airline and music businesses.

The show does an excellent job of mapping out the details of Pearlman's crimes, starting with his first ventures into the world of fraud in the 1980s. As his businesses grew, so did his list of victims and the amount of money he scammed. In total, Pearlman is estimated to have stolen over $300 million.

Throughout the hour-long episode, viewers are also introduced to some of the key players in Pearlman's life, including his music industry contacts, his business partners, and, most tellingly, the people who worked for him yet were still victimized by his fraudulent schemes.

Adding to the intrigue of the story is the fact that Pearlman managed to avoid punishment for his crimes for years, even as suspicions and investigations mounted. It wasn't until a concerned investor blew the whistle that authorities were finally able to bring him to justice.

Overall, "Hook, Line and Sucker" is a gripping and sobering exploration of the dark side of success and the lengths to which some people will go to get ahead. Through interviews with Pearlman's victims and a thorough examination of his crimes, the show serves as a warning to anyone who might be tempted to put their trust in someone who seems too good to be true.