The Big Conn
Violent, wild, sobering tale of a $550 million fraud case.
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The Big Conn
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the illegal and immoral actions of Eric Conn are highlighted in The Big Conn, but so too are the brave actions of the whistleblowers that who had the courage to expose him. Greed and materialism are the primary motive for the crimes committed. There are multiple stories of intimidation, spying, and even death threats used to scare and control others. Many people's lives are devastated when their disability benefits are taken away and several commit suicide. Other violent court cases are discussed, including one in which two children are shot. Another cases focuses on a woman who thought she was the daughter of satan and drank blood. In one story a go-go dancer is almost crushed to death by a boa constrictor. Women are sexualized in a variety of ways: Eric Conn describes opening a brothel in a city in Thailand known as "the sex capital of the world"; there are mentions of "sexual erotic fantasy"; women are convinced to sleep with judges for favors. Footage is shown from commercials starring porn stars and there are re-enactments featuring scantily clad women. A man talks about buying a huge bag of weed. There are stories of people regularly drinking to excess and getting drunk at work.
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What's the Story?
THE BIG CONN follows the story of Eric C. Conn, a Kentucky attorney who defrauded the U.S. government of over $550 million through its Social Security program. The extraordinary rise and fall of Conn is examined, along with the devastating effects of his actions on many of his clients.
Is It Any Good?
The jaw-dropping escapades described in this true crime story, along with the gripping accounts of the people caught in the crossfire, make for a uniquely entertaining docuseries. While the methods of fraud depicted in The Big Conn aren't especially creative, the sheer scale of the operation will shock viewers. The beginning of the four-part series is dedicated to the antics of its anti-hero, Eric Conn, and each tale is satisfyingly crazier than the last. Even if that's all this documentary covered, it would still be worth a watch.
As eccentric as Conn is, though, it's the tenacity of the reporter and two whistle blowers who will eventually take him and his co-conspirators down that really steal the show. Add to that the inside look on how the government is intended to function in cases like these (and how spectacularly they failed to do so in this instance), plus the poignant revelation of the true victims of these crimes, and you've got the rare documentary that grabs its audience's attention from the start and never lets go. What's more, the unexpected long-term ramifications for everyone involved will leave viewers thinking about the ambiguity of what's right long after the credits roll.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between reality TV and a documentary. Which do you enjoy more, and which do you learn more from, as a viewer?
How did the whistleblowers in this story show courage and perseverance? Why are these traits important for helping others?
Discuss the various examples of consumerism displayed throughout the series.
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 6, 2022
- Network: Apple TV+
- Genre: Reality TV
- Character Strengths: Courage
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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