Being Blago
A four-part docuseries about former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's life after prison - his journey, purpose, lost power, and search for redemption from the public … and at home.
Format: Four-part documentary series
Premiere: Hulu - Nov. 5, 2021
Produced by: ABC Owned Television Stations
Role: Co-Executive Producer · Co-Director
Recognition: 4× Emmy Nominated | ★★★½ Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
Press: Read the Roeper Review
On the evening of November 4, 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama became President-Elect Barack Obama.
The following morning, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was doing his post-run stretch on the floor of his TV room while on the phone with an advisor when he said the words that will follow him for the rest of his life:
"I've got this thing, and it's bleeping ... GOLDEN. And I'm not giving it up for bleeping nothing."
He was referring to the Senate seat being vacated by Obama, and it would cost him everything.
Flash-forward to the summer of 2021, the now ex-governor is fresh off probation and enjoying life as a free man, having his 14-year prison sentence commuted after 8 years by former President Trump. We're walking through his house to his backyard, and he stops to show us that exact spot on the floor, recounting the event with a notable level of casualness, as if it had not changed his life forever. He pauses to lament the process and prosecution that sent him to prison, drawing comparisons to "Hitler's playbook" and quoting Winston Churchill in the same breath. He then shrugs and repeats the "bleeping golden" line in reference to his backyard before heading out to pick up dog poop.
This was how my co-EP/director Matt Knutson and I would spend the summer. "Being Blago" is the story of Rod Blagojevich -- the rise, the fall, and his current efforts to clear his name and kick back open the door of national relevance, even as it strains his marriage to the woman who was instrumental in getting him out of prison. He is divisive, foul-mouthed, at times quite funny, and to this day, maintains his innocence, complete with middle fingers in the air.
For better or worse, Rod Blagojevich is a fighter. This is his story.
“Addictively digestible, darkly funny ... ★★★½”
WATCH FULL EPISODES
EPISODE ONE: “I Want You To Run”
We follow Rod's ascent to Governor and the events that led to his Father-in-Law leading to his FBI investigation. In our 2021 timeline, Rod grapples with figuring out how to regain relevancy post-probation.
EPISODE TWO: “All Falls Down”
We're falling hard, as Rod's life is crashing down around him. He's indicted, impeached, and convicted while becoming a national punchline. In 2021, Rod finds himself gaining public support and attention, despite Patti making it crystal clear (again) that if he runs for office, she's out.
EPISODE THREE: “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow”
We open with Rod recounting his last moments at home before prison; meanwhile, Patti becomes a single mom and realizes she can live without Rod. In 2021, Rod prepares for a big performance.
EPISODE FOUR: “Rod vs. Everyone”
We close out our series with Rod’s uncertain future, at home and in the public eye.