Telemarketers (2023)
"Know when to hang up."
Synopsis
This docuseries chronicles the darkly comedic, unexpected 20-year journey of two unlikely office buddies, who stumble upon the murky truth behind the work they’ve been doing at a seedy New Jersey call center – persuading people to give money to charities – and vow to expose the crooked American telemarketing industry from within.
Creator
Josh Safdie, Sam Lipman-Stern, Tina Nguyen
Network
HBO
Episodes
Part 1
14-year-old high school dropout Sam Lipman-Stern takes a job at an unruly New Jersey telemarketing company raising money for various charities. After deciding to film the outrageous office antics, Sam and his colleague, Pat Pespas, begin to examine the company's dubious fundraising practices.
Part 2
2009. After the Federal Trade Commission shuts down CDG, other copy-cat telemarketing companies evade regulation by taking advantage of loopholes. Undeterred, Sam and Pat journey down a wild and twisted path – learning that the questionable industry practices are pervasive. But just as they gain ground, an unexpected disappearance threatens their investigation.
Part 3
Years later, the former coworkers reunite to continue their investigation – only to learn that even more brazen telemarketing schemes have emerged with the advent of robocalling, political action committees, and AI. After traveling the country to gather evidence, Sam and Pat bring their findings to Capitol Hill.
Cast
Trailer
Details
Original Title
Telemarketers
Status
Ended
Seasons
1
Episodes
3
Production
Elara Pictures, All Facts, Rough House Pictures
