On January 30, 2025, ABC premiered its much-anticipated docuseries titled Scamanda, based on the scandalous story of Amanda Riley, who falsely claimed to be battling cancer and deceived her community for nearly a decade. The four-part series draws inspiration from the viral podcast of the same name, shedding light on the manipulative lies Riley spun and the extensive support, both emotional and financial, she garnered as she played the part of the cancer patient.
Amanda Riley's tale began in 2012 when she emerged as a devout Christian mother and blogger from California, claiming to suffer from Stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Through her blog, she shared her supposed cancer battle, capturing the sympathy of many and raising approximately $106,000 from those eager to help. During this time, she also gave birth to two healthy children, highlighting the contradictions woven throughout her deceitful narrative. Scamanda aims to unravel these inconsistencies, exploring how Riley's deceptions allowed her to manipulate friends and family for years.
The series kicks off with Amanda's story, demonstrating the trust she built within her community, including members of her megachurch. It delves deep, with interviews from investigative journalist Nancy Moscatiello, who was alerted to discrepancies in Riley's narrative through tips from concerned acquaintances, especially Lisa Berry, a former friend. Berry, who initially offered support to Riley, later found herself questioning the authenticity of Riley's health claims, especially after she discovered the deception through social media.
“You just want to believe the person,” Berry observes during her interview for the series, reflecting on her own feelings of betrayal. This sentiment resonates heavily throughout the docuseries as it emphasizes the emotional toll of such deceit on the community. The opening shot of the series captures the listener's attention, as Charlie Webster, executive producer, warns, “What you're about to hear is a true story.”
Riley's story is not just one of personal betrayal; it sparked community outrage and legal repercussions. Following the series of events, Riley was charged with wire fraud and began serving her sentence, which included restitution to her victims. Currently, she is serving five years in federal prison, with her release date slated for December 2025, and the series explores the aftermath of her actions and the impact on those she deceived.
If you're interested in watching Scamanda, it aired its first episode on ABC on January 30 at 9 p.m. ET. Thankfully, cord-cutters and those without traditional cable can enjoy the docuseries through several streaming services, including DIRECTV Stream and FuboTV, both offering free trials to new subscribers. For those who want to binge-watch, Hulu plans to make episodes available for streaming the day after they air on ABC.
Details about how to watch live and on-demand are straightforward. DIRECTV Stream is notable for its extensive channel offerings, including live coverage of key games across sports leagues, making it ideal for those seeking comprehensive viewing options. The service is priced at $64.99 per month but features diverse programming reaching beyond just ABC.
FuboTV, lauded as the ultimate service for sports enthusiasts, offers over 100 channels starting at $74.99 per month and provides access to local networks like ABC and ESPN. The subscription also includes options for users to enjoy on-demand content, making it easier than ever to catch up on lost episodes of Scamanda.
For those who prefer the flexible pay-as-you-go nature of streaming, Sling TV presents innovative packages, allowing users to tailor their channel selections based on personal preference. The service starts at $45.99 per month and is also available at half-off for the first month, making it budget-friendly for new users.
Overall, Scamanda promises to be not only captivating but also educational, offering insights on the psychology of scams and community trust. The inquiry led by investigative journalist Nancy Moscatiello poses significant questions about morality and responsibility within supportive communities. The intriguing narrative and heightened human drama are set to keep audiences engaged as it dissects the complex web of lies and the eventual unraveling of Amanda Riley’s façade.
With episodes airing weekly on Thursdays, viewers have the chance to explore this compelling yet shocking true story. From the betrayal of trust to the quest for justice, Scamanda boldly places the spotlight on one of the most audacious scams of our time as it challenges the limits of compassion and community support. Make sure to tune in and witness how this captivating tale of deception and intrigue plays out.