Ep 7. Chippendales

In season 9 episode 7 of E! True Hollywood Story, we take a deep dive into the scandalous world of Chippendales, the male strip club that took America by storm in the 1980s.

The episode covers the rise of founder Steve Banerjee, who had a dream of creating a new kind of male strip club that would appeal to women. We see how Banerjee took his idea from a small club in Los Angeles to a worldwide phenomenon, featuring a troupe of hunky, well-built dancers who would perform in nothing but the iconic bow tie and cuffs.

But the story doesn't stop there. As Chippendales became more and more successful, tensions grew between Banerjee and his dancers. We'll explore the relationships between the dancers, who were often pitted against each other and forced to compete for the spotlight. We'll also hear from former employees who describe the hostile work environment at Chippendales, where drugs and alcohol were prevalent and violence was not uncommon.

The episode delves into some of the darker aspects of Chippendales' history, such as the murder of Nick De Noia, a former producer and choreographer for the troupe. Banerjee was ultimately convicted of ordering De Noia's hit and sentenced to life in prison.

But despite the scandal and tragedy that surrounded Chippendales, the club's legacy lives on. We'll hear from fans who still idolize the dancers and the enduring appeal of the "Chippendales look." We'll also see how the brand has transformed in recent years, with shows like Magic Mike bringing a new wave of male entertainment to audiences.

Overall, this episode of E! True Hollywood Story provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Chippendales, from its beginnings as a small LA club to its global domination and ultimate downfall.