The Dropout (miniseries)

The Dropout (miniseries)
Title	The Dropout
Based on	the ABC News podcast, The Dropout
Starring	Amanda Seyfried, Naveen Andrews, William H. Macy, Laurie Metcalf, Stephen Fry, Sam Waterston
Country	United States
Language	English
Network	Hulu
Released	03 March 2022 – 07 April 2022

The Dropout (miniseries). The series is a dramatization of the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos. It chronicles her journey from a Stanford University dropout to a celebrated Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and the subsequent unraveling of her fraudulent blood-testing technology. The narrative focuses on the creation of the Edison device, the corporate culture at Theranos, and the investigative journalism that exposed the deception.

Plot

The story begins with a young Elizabeth Holmes at Stanford University, where she conceives the idea for a revolutionary blood-testing company. After dropping out, she founds Theranos with Sunny Balwani, securing investments from prominent figures like Rupert Murdoch and the Walton family. The plot details the intense pressure to deliver a working Edison device, leading to fabricated results and a culture of secrecy. The narrative follows the efforts of whistleblowers like Tyler Shultz and journalist John Carreyrou of The Wall Street Journal, whose reporting triggers investigations by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The series culminates in the federal trial of Elizabeth Holmes for fraud.

Cast and characters

Amanda Seyfried portrays the central figure, Elizabeth Holmes, capturing her ambition and distinctive persona. Naveen Andrews plays her romantic and business partner, Sunny Balwani. Key supporting roles include William H. Macy as Richard Fuisz, a rival inventor; Laurie Metcalf as Phyllis Gardner, a skeptical Stanford University professor; and Stephen Fry as Ian Gibbons, a beleaguered Theranos scientist. Sam Waterston appears as George Shultz, the former U.S. Secretary of State and board member, while Dylan Minnette plays his grandson, whistleblower Tyler Shultz. Michaela Watkins portrays Linda Tanner, a lawyer for Theranos.

Production

The series is based on the ABC News podcast of the same name, with Elizabeth Meriwether serving as showrunner. Liz Heldens, Liz Hannah, and Matt Lutsky were key writers on the project. Michael Showalter directed several episodes, with Francesca Gregorini also directing. Principal photography took place in Los Angeles, with meticulous efforts to recreate the aesthetic of Theranos headquarters and the Edison device. Amanda Seyfried studied Elizabeth Holmes's mannerisms and deep voice extensively for her portrayal.

Release

The miniseries premiered on Hulu in the United States on March 3, 2022, with the first three episodes released simultaneously. Subsequent episodes were released weekly, concluding on April 7, 2022. Internationally, it was distributed on Disney+ under the Star (Disney+) hub in various markets, including Canada and the United Kingdom. The release coincided with the high-profile trial of Elizabeth Holmes, which concluded with her conviction in January 2022.

Reception

The series received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Amanda Seyfried's performance, which earned her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Critics praised its sharp writing, tense pacing, and nuanced examination of Silicon Valley hubris. Reviewers from The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety highlighted its success as a compelling corporate thriller. The series also received multiple nominations, including for the Golden Globe Awards and Critics' Choice Television Awards.

Historical accuracy

While compressing events for dramatic effect, the series hews closely to the factual record established by John Carreyrou's book Bad Blood and his reporting in The Wall Street Journal. Key events, such as the demonstration for Walgreen's and the confrontations with Ian Gibbons, are accurately depicted. Dialogue is often drawn directly from recorded conversations and trial testimony. Some composite characters were created, and timelines were condensed, but the core narrative of fraud at Theranos and the roles of Elizabeth Holmes and Sunny Balwani remain faithful to documented history.

Category:2022 American television miniseries Category:American drama television miniseries Category:English-language television shows Category:Hulu original programming Category:Television series about fraud Category:Television series based on podcasts