Watch Fiasco

Fiasco is a six-part historical documentary series that premiered on EPIX in 2021. The series is based on the podcast Fiasco by Leon Neyfakh and explores some of the biggest political and social scandals in United States history. Fiasco is a blend of archival footage, interviews with key figures, and dramatic reenactments that provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the events that shaped America.

The series is hosted by Leon Neyfakh, a journalist and podcaster, who brings his signature storytelling style to the screen. He guides viewers through each scandal and provides commentary and insights along the way. The series is also supported by interviews with key figures that played a role in each scandal. Some of the interviewees include former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, who discusses the events leading up to the Benghazi attacks, and John Poindexter, who was involved in the Iran-Contra scandal.

Each episode of Fiasco focuses on a different scandal and provides a deep dive into the events that led up to it, as well as the fallout that followed. The scandals covered in the series include the Iran-Contra affair during the Reagan administration, the contested 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, and the Benghazi attack in 2012. Other scandals include the Waco siege, the Duke lacrosse case, and the Flint water crisis.

What sets Fiasco apart from other historical documentaries is the way it blends archival footage with dramatic reenactments. The reenactments are shot in a cinematic style and feature professional actors that bring the events to life. This approach helps the audience to not only understand the events that occurred but also to connect with the people involved in each scandal on a deeper level. The reenactments also serve to break up the monotony of talking heads and archival footage, making the series a more engaging watch.

One of the strengths of Fiasco is its ability to present a balanced perspective on each scandal. The series doesn't shy away from the mistakes made by the government or individuals involved in each scandal. However, it also doesn't vilify them. Instead, it provides a nuanced look at the events and the people involved in them. This approach makes Fiasco a refreshing watch in a time where news and media seem to be increasingly polarized.

Another strength of the series lies in its ability to draw connections between the scandals. While each episode covers a different scandal, there are underlying themes that connect them all. For example, the series explores how the power of the presidency is often abused and how the media can be complicit in perpetuating false narratives. These connections help to paint a broader picture of American politics and society, making Fiasco feel like more than just a series of isolated scandals.

Overall, Fiasco is a well-produced and engaging look into some of the biggest scandals in United States history. The series is informative without feeling like a lecture, and the use of dramatic reenactments helps to keep the audience engaged. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an interesting watch, Fiasco is definitely worth checking out.

Fiasco is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between September 19, 2021 and on EPIX