20/20: Gypsy Rose Blanchard – The Next Act (ABC Friday January 26, 2024)

In an upcoming episode of ABC’s investigative news program “20/20,” viewers will be taken on a deep dive into the captivating and tragic story of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, her mother Dee Dee, and the shocking events that unfolded in their lives. Airing on Friday, January 26th from 9:01-11:00 p.m. EST on ABC (available next day on Hulu), this two-hour special, The Next Act, promises to unravel a tale filled with murder, family dynamics, abuse, romance, and deception.

For years prior to 2015, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard lived under the guise of being severely ill. She was confined to a wheelchair and purportedly suffered from multiple medical conditions such as leukemia, seizures, and muscular dystrophy. This facade garnered Gypsy significant attention within her community; she was considered a local hero due to her perceived strength in overcoming various health challenges. Together with her mother Dee Dee — who played an instrumental role in perpetuating these falsehoods — they were highly regarded figures at conferences related to disabilities and even received a home built by Habitat for Humanity.

However, everything changed when police discovered Dee Dee stabbed to death in their residence. Authorities identified Gypsy-Rose Blanchard along with Nicholas Godejohn (her secret boyfriend) as the primary suspects in this shocking crime that reverberated throughout the nation. Experts soon revealed that what initially appeared as an isolated case of murder had deeper roots intertwined with Munchausen by proxy syndrome – a form of child abuse where caregivers exaggerate or induce illness in children for personal gain or attention.

In this all-new episode of “20/20,” co-anchor Deborah Roberts sits down exclusively with Gypsy one week after her release from prison to discuss life behind bars and how she is coping with not only reckoning her past but also adjusting herself amidst newfound fame.

The program goes beyond hearing directly from those involved by featuring interviews with key individuals connected to the case. Lt. Stan Hancock, who served as the lead detective on this harrowing investigation, provides exclusive insight into his experiences and thoughts surrounding the matter. Other notable interviewees include Sheriff Jim Arnott; Mike Stanfield, Gypsy’s defense attorney; Rod and Kristy Blanchard, Gypsy’s father and stepmother respectively; Aleah Woodmansee, a neighbor and friend of Gypsy; Dr. Bernardo Flasterstein, a pediatric neurologist involved in her medical treatment who suspected Munchausen by proxy syndrome.

Additionally, “20/20” presents interviews with prominent experts such as Dr. Mary Sanders from Stanford University – renowned for her expertise on Munchausen by proxy abuse – shedding light on this disturbing phenomenon that affected Gypsy’s life so profoundly. EJ Dickson, a journalist from Rolling Stone who reported extensively on the case also shares insights garnered during her investigations.

With its extensive coverage and revealing interviews, “20/20” aims to deliver an immersive experience that explores various aspects of the Dee Dee and Gypsy-Rose Blanchard story while offering viewers greater understanding of complex familial relationships tainted by deception and manipulation.

Don’t miss out! Tune in to ABC on Friday 26 January at 9:01 p.m EST for this thought-provoking episode of “20/20.”