Watch McMillions

McMillions is a true crime documentary series that premiered on HBO in February 2020. It explores the incredible story of how the McDonald's Monopoly game was rigged between 1989 and 2001, resulting in over $24 million in fraud. The series follows the FBI investigation that eventually uncovered the scheme, which involved several individuals, including an ex-police officer, a mafia-connected family, and the mastermind behind the whole operation: Jerome Jacobson.

The first episode sets the scene by explaining the game's popularity in the 1990s, with testimonials from people who won the game's big prizes. But then, as the episode progresses, we learn that these were not genuine winners, but rather a network of individuals who had found a way to cheat the system.

As the following episodes unfold, we learn about the various players involved in the scam, and how they were caught. Chris Graham and Doug Mathews, two FBI agents who worked on the case, provide insights into the investigation, and they interview other retired FBI agents who explain how they worked together to piece together the evidence.

One of the series' strengths is how it captures the personalities of the individuals involved in the scam. We hear from the winners themselves, many of whom feel duped and shocked that they were unwitting pawns in a larger plan. We also hear from the perpetrators, including Jacobson, whose story is told through a mix of interviews and recordings from wiretaps.

The series also delves into the inner workings of the mob and how they were involved in the scheme. Through interviews with other mafia-connected individuals, we learn about their role in pushing the scam forward and how they attempted to keep control of the operation.

But what makes McMillions stand out is its sense of humor. Despite the high stakes of the case, there are moments of levity throughout the series that add to its charm. For example, in one scene, an FBI agent and a suspect bond over their love of cigars, while in another, a winner describes how he spent his prize money on an alpaca farm.

The series also does an excellent job of showcasing the time and place in which the scam took place. Through historical footage and interviews with people who were involved in the investigation, we get a sense of what it was like to be an FBI agent during the 1990s, as well as what it was like to work at McDonald's during the Monopoly game's heyday.

Another notable aspect of McMillions is its production. The series uses a mix of traditional interviews, historical footage, and stylized reenactments to tell the story. The reenactments are particularly well-done, with actors who resemble the real-life counterparts and a sense of humor that adds to the series' tone.

Overall, McMillions is an excellent true crime documentary that tells a fascinating story with a lot of humor and heart. It's a testament to the power of good storytelling, as well as the hard work of FBI agents who were determined to get to the bottom of a high-profile case. Whether you're a fan of true crime documentaries or just looking for a fascinating story, McMillions is definitely worth watching.

McMillions is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between and on HBO