Watch Curse of the Chippendales

Curse of the Chippendales is a docu-series from discovery+ that explores the dark history of the iconic male strip club, The Chippendales. The show delves into the behind-the-scenes world of the club, its rise to fame, and the eventual downfall of its creator, Somen Banerjee.

The series is comprised of four episodes, each one hour-long, and features interviews with key players in the Chippendales' story. The interviews are combined with archival footage, news clips, and dramatic reenactments to provide a comprehensive view of the Chippendales' evolution over the years.

The first episode, "Rise of the Chippendales," introduces viewers to Somen Banerjee and his vision for the Chippendales. Banerjee, a former gas station attendant, created the club after seeing the success of female strip clubs. He wanted to create a male version that catered to women's fantasies. With his business partner, Steve Banerjee, he opened the first Chippendales club in Los Angeles in the late 1970s.

The episode goes on to explore the rise in popularity of the Chippendales, which coincided with the sexual liberation movement of the 1980s. The Chippendales became a cultural phenomenon, with women flocking to the clubs to see muscular, scantily-clad men perform choreographed dance routines.

The second episode, "Sex, Power, and Murder," takes a darker turn. Viewers learn about the power struggle between Somen and Steve Banerjee, which ultimately led to Steve's murder-for-hire plot against Somen. Through interviews with law enforcement officials and those close to the case, the episode details the events that led up to the murder and the subsequent investigation.

The third episode, "The Curse of the Chippendales," explores the aftermath of the murder and the legal battles that followed. The episode also delves into the allegations of mob connections and money laundering that plagued the Chippendales during its heyday.

The final episode, "The Legacy of the Chippendales," examines the lasting impact of the Chippendales on popular culture and the male stripping industry. The episode features interviews with former Chippendales dancers and other male strippers who were inspired by the club's success.

Overall, Curse of the Chippendales is a riveting look at a cultural phenomenon that had a dark underbelly. The series is well-produced, with a mix of talking head interviews, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments that keep viewers engaged. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of stripping or the consequences of unchecked power.

Curse of the Chippendales is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (5 episodes). The series first aired on September 24, 2021.