The Con

This is a well done series that Kay's out how people have been conned is various ways. It's very insightful and helpful for all of us to learn how seemingly intelligent con-proof people get sucked in. The variety of cons ranges from the well known ones like the college entrance one to ones like the psychics that prey on vulnerable people. The amount of money involved are also mind-boggling. People paying thousands for worthless baubles they have been told will fight curses and defeat evil illustrates the desperation of people being conned. The shows also reveal how the con artists are ultimately brought down, sadly often after the money is gone.

I love all documentaries! As a matter of fact, I fell asleep watching one on a streaming app - but because I have the *continue playing* setting on, "The Con" came on and woke me with Whoopi's animated voice (it was time to get up, so it actually helped!). I love Whoopi - her enthusiasm and passion are motivating! I grew up watching her in movies and comedy shows so maybe my opinion is a little biased. So I kept watching out of curiosity. The facts and perspective provided by people who were actually there brought a bona fide sense of reality, but it was Whoopi's animated narration made it very fun and entertaining - I couldn't wait to watch the other episodes! The other episodes were just as entertaining and fresh! I love these kind of documentaries - crime without the violence. I don't need anymore gory murder crap in my infotainment queue! I hope there are more to be made, but if not, I'm glad I was able to enjoy the ones I watched!

While the show is interesting, Whoopi Goldberg couldn't have been a worse choice to narrate this. First of all, her voice is annoying. It's not for 'radio' so to speak. Second, this is like a true crime documentary series and she attempts to make funny, witty comments throughout. It's not funny. At all! I found myself rolling my eyes during every episode and nearly turning it off. But again, the stories are interesting, some a bit fascinating. But I wanted to watch a true crime doc, not a farse of one. Why on earth the producer of this chose to make a joke of awful things that happened to real people was in such bad taste IMO.

The series manages to drag out 20 minutes to 40-45 minute episodes again and again.

And most of these cons are frankly penny ante. A woman being conned by her supposed friend of "thousands" of dollars. A con man posing as a doctor.

And of course the music festival that was so poorly run everyone has heard about it.

Part of the con is on the viewer for sitting through this. Take my advice and don't do it.

The only worthwhile episode is on a man posing as a Saudi prince. Even that runs for about ten minutes too long. I kept fast forwarding.

The worst person in this series is not Goldberg. The worst is the vapid talking head they have posing as a journalist in every episode who adds nothing but annoyance.

These stories are old, I've heard of them prior to these coming out. I have a huge issue with whoopie... I use to like her in movies, then she became a monster with an overly loud mouth on a dumb talk show... so NO! Her voice as narrative, is disgusting! DO NOT BOTHER WATCHING THIS!