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7.3/10
4.8K
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Follows former telemarketing employees Pat Pespas and Sam Lipman-Stern, two longtime office friends who find themselves hot on the trail of a sobering look at the ugly side of American capit... Read allFollows former telemarketing employees Pat Pespas and Sam Lipman-Stern, two longtime office friends who find themselves hot on the trail of a sobering look at the ugly side of American capitalism and the abuse of customer trust.Follows former telemarketing employees Pat Pespas and Sam Lipman-Stern, two longtime office friends who find themselves hot on the trail of a sobering look at the ugly side of American capitalism and the abuse of customer trust.
- Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 2 wins & 7 nominations total
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Blue lives matter people are review bombing this show. Do not listen to them and watch it. Patrick Pespas is a wonderful character, his arc is very inspiring and emotional and the doc is worth watching for that alone but the whole show was great. With many twists and turns narrated by some very interesting (as in, weird) people, it leaves you wanting more until the very last moments. It just shows how rotten and corrupt the system is in America in ways that are actually surprising. How is it possible something like this has ben going on for so long? And it's not even at its worst yet. AI will make sure of it. ACAB!
Like the negative reviews have stated, there are a lot of straight up scumbags interviewed, and maybe it's not as polished and focused as a professional documentary, but it is certainly succeeds at what it sets out to do, which is expose the industry that takes advantage of vulnerable and/or naive Americans to the tone of billions every year. It was really cool to see how CDG evolved, and the footage was complimented by the frank, unscripted interviews they did with the various former employees.
I actually found the approach this documentary takes really entertaining, and I developed a sincere admiration for Pat for his dedication and tenacity. Sure he's not a seasoned journalistic pro, but you could tell he was super passionate about the project, and it showed in the end result. Good stuff, and I actually learned a few things and had many suspicions confirmed about how the industry works.
I actually found the approach this documentary takes really entertaining, and I developed a sincere admiration for Pat for his dedication and tenacity. Sure he's not a seasoned journalistic pro, but you could tell he was super passionate about the project, and it showed in the end result. Good stuff, and I actually learned a few things and had many suspicions confirmed about how the industry works.
One of the most shocking scams in American history exposed. While I knew about the fraternal Order of Police scam the depths of criminality are absolutely shocking.
The people behind the scam are and the governments lax approach toward protecting prosecuting them is even more disappointing.
However, it honesty and amatuer nature in which its shot that makes it even more engaging. You feel for the average man and it encompasses the shortcomings of the American legal system which punishes the poor and the drug addicted while rewarding the rich and powerful in white collar crime. It is a must watch for auto, telemarketing, and law enforcement.
The people behind the scam are and the governments lax approach toward protecting prosecuting them is even more disappointing.
However, it honesty and amatuer nature in which its shot that makes it even more engaging. You feel for the average man and it encompasses the shortcomings of the American legal system which punishes the poor and the drug addicted while rewarding the rich and powerful in white collar crime. It is a must watch for auto, telemarketing, and law enforcement.
I'll give this short, 3-episode series props for ensuring I, not anyone I know, EVER donates anything to anyone who calls for a donation.
While this series seems to largely focus on police and fire institutions, I'm sure it's not much different when compared to ANY organization that utilizes telemarketing for "donations".
As a series.. it was compelling for all 3 episodes.
The only issue I had was how it ends.. in a puff of smoke, like it never existed.
But I suppose that's more due to the unsavory organizations having the money and power to control the government (which is really what the US Congress is built upon). All ya need to do is pay lobbyists and you can do the most unethical things to the rest of the population.
Make no mistake.. the government COULD stop this.. if they cared one iota.
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Sidebar.. I can't help but think if Phil dressed better, did NOT wear a hat, and took the damn sunglasses OFF for interviews he may have been taken more seriously. Read the room, as it were.
While this series seems to largely focus on police and fire institutions, I'm sure it's not much different when compared to ANY organization that utilizes telemarketing for "donations".
As a series.. it was compelling for all 3 episodes.
The only issue I had was how it ends.. in a puff of smoke, like it never existed.
But I suppose that's more due to the unsavory organizations having the money and power to control the government (which is really what the US Congress is built upon). All ya need to do is pay lobbyists and you can do the most unethical things to the rest of the population.
Make no mistake.. the government COULD stop this.. if they cared one iota.
------------------
Sidebar.. I can't help but think if Phil dressed better, did NOT wear a hat, and took the damn sunglasses OFF for interviews he may have been taken more seriously. Read the room, as it were.
First of all PJP is a fantastic charming guy. He was dealt a bad hand but he made the best of it! He is so charming and passionate. Doing documentaries, being a spokesman is something that he has talent in, he is just lacking that upper-class training that most elite get.
Sam and Pat did a great freelance documentary! This is what real freelance journalism is, this is probably the best that it can be. And I was so exited to see you guys do your work.
The investigation was very interesting and I could feel it piecing together. It is one of those situations where you kind of need to be much more awareness to the public. It is in their interest to avoid giving them the donations.
In poorer countries we have something similar on much smaller scale: the begger scheme, where people give money to beggers thinking that they are helping a poor homeless person. In reality most of them are like a network that travel city to city and collect money for some kind of mafia boss. It is basically the same type of crime.
Anyway, I hope you guys made some money from this. I hope PJP and Sam might work on something more. Maybe I don't know, start a YT channel and review stuff they know and love.
Sam and Pat did a great freelance documentary! This is what real freelance journalism is, this is probably the best that it can be. And I was so exited to see you guys do your work.
The investigation was very interesting and I could feel it piecing together. It is one of those situations where you kind of need to be much more awareness to the public. It is in their interest to avoid giving them the donations.
In poorer countries we have something similar on much smaller scale: the begger scheme, where people give money to beggers thinking that they are helping a poor homeless person. In reality most of them are like a network that travel city to city and collect money for some kind of mafia boss. It is basically the same type of crime.
Anyway, I hope you guys made some money from this. I hope PJP and Sam might work on something more. Maybe I don't know, start a YT channel and review stuff they know and love.
Did you know
- TriviaThe theme music is "Oh Hail No" by El-P.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 908: Past Lives (2023)
- How many seasons does Telemarketers have?Powered by Alexa
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- La gran estafa de los teleoperadores
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime58 minutes
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