“Telemarketers” dropped Sunday on HBO, and it is the most insane, unhinged, chaotic, likeable documentary I’ve seen in years — and it’s so crazy, it’s giving “Tiger King” a run for its money.
Just like when I found “Tiger King” at the start of the pandemic, I was enjoying a rare evening to myself when I happened upon a strange advertisement for a new documentary, “Telemarketers,” on HBO. Having worked for former leaders at “The Call Centre” in my hometown as a late teen, I knew the industry was insane. I just didn’t realize how messed up it was until about 10 minutes into the documentary.
The premise of the doc is arguably the most beautiful I’ve ever heard of. A high school dropout (Sam Lipman-Stern) started filming the antics of himself and his coworkers at the New Jersey-based telemarketing company, Civic Development Group. In his gut, he knew there was a story within his experience that he’d one day need to share. Twenty years later, Lipman-Stern is finally getting his opportunity, and boy does he deserve it.
Despite the rampant prostitution, drug abuse (people literally snorting heroin before making calls to fundraise for police charities), partying and Lord knows what else went on in that office, the darkest part of the whole story thus far is the national scam the office was hired to run. And just how easy it was to set up. (RELATED: Even Liberals Critics Are Praising New ‘Conservative Thriller’ About Evil Child Sex Trafficking Rings)
We’re only one episode in, but I already know this documentary is going to become a cult classic. The characters are all flawed and likeable. It’s funny, crazy, sad and important in equal measure. It also sheds light on a huge part of American life that so many ignore.
I ended the night with an episode of “The Chosen” to balance out the chaos. But wow, I cannot wait for next week’s episode. What a wild ride.
Check out the trailer here: