American Scandal

Every scandal begins with a lie. But the truth will come out. And then comes the fallout and the outrage.

Scandals have shaped America since its founding. From business and politics to sports and society, we look on aghast as corruption, deceit and ambition bring down heroes and celebrities, politicians and moguls. And when the dust finally settles, we’re left to wonder: how did this happen? Where did they trip up, and who is to blame? From the creators of American History Tellers, Business Wars and Tides of History comes American Scandal, where we take you deep into the heart of America’s dark side to look at what drives someone to break the rules and what happens when they’re caught. Hosted by Lindsay Graham.

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Episodes

Quiz Show Rigging | The Pressure Cooker | 5

Television producers Howard Blumenthal and Bob Boden weren’t old enough to experience the quiz show scandal of the 1950s firsthand, but it had a major impact on their lives and careers. Blumenthal’s father helped produce the rigged quiz show Twenty-One, and Boden worked alongside disgraced producer Dan Enright in the 1980s following his return to television. The two went on to co-found the National Archives of Game Show History and today, they join Lindsay to talk about the legacy of the quiz sh...

Apr 15, 2025•35 min•Season 61Ep. 5

Quiz Show Rigging | Deception | 4

Twenty-One producer Dan Enright takes drastic action to keep the rigging scandal under wraps by discrediting his accuser, Herbert Stempel. But investigators with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office uncover undeniable proof that soon sparks a Congressional hearing, and puts celebrity champion Charles Van Doren in the hot seat. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to American Scandal...

Apr 08, 2025•39 min•Season 61Ep. 4

Quiz Show Rigging | Consolation Prize | 3

As former quiz show champion Herbert Stempel watches Charles Van Doren continue his staged winning streak on Twenty-One, he threatens to go public with what he knows. Meanwhile, another contestant quietly takes steps of his own to document the show’s fraud. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episo...

Apr 01, 2025•38 min•Season 61Ep. 3

Listen Now: Don’t Cross Kat

Kat Torres has the insta-perfect life. She is rich, gorgeous and not ashamed to share it. Her posts about witchcraft and “alien baths” drew in over a million followers, all chasing the dream of a lifestyle like hers. But as she gathers more followers around her, the secrets beneath her fame grow darker and more dangerous.    One woman sets out to bring back her best friend who has fallen under the spell of this modern-day guru.   And what begins as a search for a missing frie...

Mar 31, 2025•6 min