Docu-Series “The Age of Influence” Premieres Monday June 5 on Hulu

Published

4 months ago

June 3, 2023

Docu-Series “The Age of Influence” Premieres Monday June 5 on Hulu

Using some of the most high-profile social media scandals in recent history, the new ABC News Studios documentary series The Age of Influence explores the shadowy side of influencer culture. The six-part series provides an unvarnished look at infamous influencer sagas, ranging from widespread cons to viral cancellation campaigns. Drama unfolds as these influential people in the online community find themselves in the center of attacks on their carefully curated personas. On Monday, June 5th, “The Age of Influence” will be available exclusively on Hulu.

What Can We Expect From The Series

In the premiere, former victim Danielle Miller (nicknamed “Swiffer Girl”) uses social media to scam her way to fame and fortune, and she crosses paths with notorious Soho grifter-turned-Rikers roommate Anna Delvey. Fashion influencer Emily Gellis starts an Instagram campaign against Tanya Zuckerbrot and her popular F-Factor diet, which could set a precedent for free speech online; bodybuilder Tyler Bauman goes from rags to riches as “musclehead320” on Instagram; and serial scammer Jay Mazini, who uses religion and social media to prey on his victims and con his way to the top, are also featured in the series.

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EPISODE Details

Episode 101 – “XOXO, Grifter Girl”

Danielle Miller, formerly known as the New York “Swiffer girl,” was featured in an early viral video. After having her identity stolen as a teenager, a girl becomes a serial identity thief as she attempts to rewrite her story and reinvent herself as a glamorous influencer. Her downfall is social media, where pictures of her lavish lifestyle lead to multiple fraud accusations. Nonetheless, Danielle is doubling down on her notoriety and insisting that you should never count her out, just like her cellmate at Rikers, the notorious SoHo grifter Anna Delvey.

Episode 102 – “The Sinfluencer”

Jay Mazini, a con artist from New Jersey, builds his business and online reputation on the faith of his many online followers. His meteoric rise to fame has earned him the titles of crypto-prophet, fashion designer, and viral philanthropist, but when a former friend and others begin to sound the alarm on his deceit, he resorts to violence to protect his facade.

Episode 103 – “Fiber Feud”

After learning that the popular F-factor diet may be harmful to her followers, Instagrammer Emily Gellis takes a stand. Tanya Zuckerbrot, the diet’s creator, refutes the allegations and plans to sue twice for defamation. The dramatic fiber-feud on social media, which may have lasting implications for free speech online, shows no signs of abating.

Episode 104 – “The Steroids Swindler”

Tyler Bauman, who had a troubled upbringing marked by drug use and extreme poverty, tries to start over as an outrageous Instagram star. He documents his journey to reach 320 pounds under the handle musclehead320, where he offers advice on how to bulk up using steroids and supplements before venturing into the business of making and selling them himself. It’s the age-old tale of the average Joe who goes bad, only this time he’s got an Instagram, a Boston accent, and a lot of juice.

Episode 105 – “The Bad Momfluencer”

Children celebrities are pros at performing for an audience, but what happens when the lights go out? Machelle Hobson’s chilling account delves into the tragedy that befell her adopted kids, whose lives appeared ideal on their viral YouTube series “Fantastic Adventures.” But behind the scenes, abuse was rife, and existing systems failed the children at every turn, prompting the question, How can we best protect our children in this age of influence?

Episode 106 – “The Con-fluencer”

Con artist Tracii Hutsona wants to be a movie star, social media influencer, and YouTube sensation. Joumana Kidd, the ex-wife of basketball great Jason Kidd, and a Los Angeles scenester are among the people whose lives she disrupts as she drifts further and further from her goals.

Who is making the series

“The Age of Influence” is produced by Part2 Pictures for ABC News Studios. Joe Eardly, David Shadrack Smith and Fay Yu are executive producers for Part2 Pictures. For ABC News Studios, Victoria Thompson is the executive producer, and David Sloan is the senior executive producer. ABC News Studios is led by Mike Kelley. Reena Mehta is SVP, Streaming, and Digital Content.

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