Ep 1. The Most Hated Man In America?

In season 12 episode 1 of American Greed, titled "The Most Hated Man in America?," viewers are introduced to Martin Shkreli, a former hedge fund manager turned pharmaceutical CEO. Known for his controversial actions and arrogant behavior, Shkreli gained national attention in 2015 when his company purchased the rights to a life-saving drug and immediately increased the price by over 5000%. The move sparked outrage and led to Shkreli being dubbed "the most hated man in America."

The episode explores Shkreli's rise to infamy, beginning with his early years as a bright but socially awkward student. After dropping out of college, Shkreli found success as a hedge fund manager, but his unorthodox methods and willingness to take huge risks earned him a reputation as a maverick in the industry. In 2011, he founded his own pharmaceutical company, Retrophin, with the goal of developing drugs for rare diseases.

However, Shkreli soon ran into legal trouble when he used Retrophin's funds to pay off his own personal debts. He was ousted from the company and faced a lawsuit from investors, but he bounced back by founding another company, Turing Pharmaceuticals, and purchasing the drug Daraprim. This move ultimately led to his downfall, as the price hike drew the attention of the media and eventually landed him in jail.

Throughout the episode, American Greed examines the various factors that contributed to Shkreli's downfall, from his controversial public statements to his reckless financial decisions. Interviews with former colleagues, business partners, and journalists provide insight into Shkreli's personality and motivations, while archival footage and reenactments help to recreate key moments in his career.

Overall, "The Most Hated Man in America?" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and hubris, and a reminder of the power of public opinion to hold even the richest and most powerful accountable.