Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story
In 1920, a broke immigrant in Boston became one of America’s richest, most infamous men—practically overnight. In just nine months, he swindled the modern equivalent of a quarter billion dollars, upended the world of finance, and etched his name into history as the mastermind behind one of the most notorious scams ever: the Ponzi scheme.Hosted by Maya Lau and featuring award-winning comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalco, Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story is a docudrama that captures the rise and fall—both outrageous and tragic—of the con artist who fooled the world and paid the price.Easy Money: T...
Episodes
Easy Money: A Live Conversation at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival
Join Sebastian Maniscalco for a special conversation with creator Will Malnati (Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy) and host/journalist Maya Lau, moderated by actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos). The conversation was recorded live on June 13…
No More Tricks
Out of options and nowhere left to turn, Ponzi is forced to face the one person he can’t outmaneuver—his wife, Rose. Meanwhile, with the law closing in, authorities are determined to end his scheme for good.Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Sto…
Can’t a Guy Catch a Break?
Betrayed by a close ally, Ponzi finds his back against the wall. As those around him jump ship, the question remains: Does the so-called "wizard" still have a trick or two left, or has his delusion blinded him to the inevitable?Easy Money: …
The Paper Turns
After the Post’s glowing praise, the tides quickly turn. Now, Boston’s biggest newspaper is gunning for Ponzi, and their relentless attacks force him into a corner. With everything on the line, it’s a race against time—can he outsmart his c…
Who’s Ready to Make Some Money?
As Ponzi’s fame skyrockets, Boston falls under the spell of Ponzimania. With a slick publicity man in tow and a glowing headline, it seems nothing can stop him. But when a whirlwind day at the Ponzi estate exposes signs of trouble, his usua…
Going Legitimate
With millions pouring in and a mansion to match, Charles Ponzi should be living the dream. But instead of contentment, he’s gripped by a new hunger—power. As his ambition grows, it also obscures the warning signs emerging around him.Easy Mo…
Too Big to Fail
Boston can’t get enough of their new “wizard of finance,” but as Ponzi’s empire ignites and his success seems inevitable, a figure from his past appears—holding the one thing that could bring it all crashing down.Easy Money: The Charles Pon…
Genius, Right?
A single stamp coupon sets Charles Ponzi on a path to fortune—and disaster. With time running out, he seizes on an idea so audacious he doesn’t stop to ask if it’s legal, sustainable, or even possible. As doubt creeps in, there’s only one o…
Give the People What They Want
Unemployed, pushing forty, and running out of options, Charles Ponzi makes a bold decision—he’s going to get rich no matter the cost. It’s a gamble that will test his marriage, upend his life, and send shock waves through Boston—and eventua…
Introducing Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story
Hosted by Maya Lau and featuring award-winning comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalco, Easy Money: The Charles Ponzi Story is a docudrama that captures the rise and fall of the con artist who fooled the world and paid the price.Easy Money:…