Plot Synopsis

From 2020-2023, TMZ INVESTIGATES was a series of primetime specials, before officially debuting as a weekly series on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT on FOX. Specials include:

"Tiger King: What Really Went Down?" (Monday, April 13, 2020 at 9-10pm): This one-hour special goes behind "Tiger King," the bizarre true-crime story EVERYONE is talking about, with exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage. This one-hour special will delve into what really went down, with the interviews only TMZ can get, exploring outstanding questions about whether or not Joe Exotic is guilty, an inside look into Carole Baskin's husband's disappearance and the current status of the new investigation.

"UFOs: The Pentagon Proof" (Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 8-9pm): As the U.S. government prepares to release the first-ever declassified UFO report later this month, TMZ talks to the driving forces who made this officially sanctioned intelligence a reality. The special will cut through any suspicions that could arise following the Pentagon's UFO report, focusing on a government cover-up and the retaliation that pilots, scientists, Pentagon officials and others suffered by pressing for the truth. The investigation asks if the government report tells the real story, and if it doesn't, where to go from there to get to the bottom of those critical, unanswered questions.

"What Really Happened to Richard Simmons" (Monday, August 22, 2022 at 8-9pm): How does one of entertainment's most visible celebrities... just disappear? What really happened to beloved fitness icon Richard Simmons, who has not been seen for more than eight years? There are many theories -- his housekeeper is holding him hostage, his beloved dog died and left him devastated, his medical issues made it too difficult to continue working, he was burnt out listening to other people's problems, or maybe he was transitioning to become a woman. Some of these are absolutely false... others hold some weight. TMZ combed through the facts and spoke to the people closest with him, including comedian Bruce Vilanch, Suzanne Somers, Dr. Phil and Simmons' longtime costume designer, Leslie Wilshire. In the end, we have uncovered the answer -- how a beloved icon just disappeared into thin air.

"Who Really Killed Michael Jackson" (Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 8-10pm): Exploring the King of Pop's addictions and his final months, TMZ dives into Dr. Conrad Murray's conviction for Michael Jackson's death and the expansive universe of perpetrators who contributed to his substance abuse. Seemingly on top of the world, behind-the-scenes Jackson was slowly unravelling in a downward spiral of addiction and despair. Surrounded by influential enablers and unethical physicians, including the infamous Dr. Arnold Klein, did anyone have Jackson's best interest at heart? Debuting a never-before-seen interview with Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, who worked for Dr. Klein, TMZ investigates the medical professionals across the globe who enabled his dependencies over the years. Additionally, TMZ secured exclusive interviews with Dr. Murray, who goes on the record about his experience with Jackson, as well as the lead detective on the case, and more. In the end, fans will walk away knowing the real story of Jackson's death.

"Lisa Marie Presley: Unending Tragedy" (Monday, January 30, 2022 at 8-9pm): The one-hour special reveals information about the cause of death of Elvis's only child. A TMZ investigation dives deep into the current unsettled conflicts revolving around Lisa Marie Presley's unforeseen passing, including never-before-heard details about the money Lisa left behind and who will inherit the fortune. As for who will gain custody of Lisa's 14-year-old twins, TMZ Investigates has the details. In regard to which family members continue a relationship with the twins, TMZ knows a conflict is brewing. The special also will bring to light the truths behind tragedies Lisa endured during her life, such as the demise of her marriage to the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, in which TMZ exclusively speaks to close friends and family who state their marriage was real, and truly heartbreaking for both parties when they decided to divorce.

"9/11: The Fifth Plane" (Monday, March 20, 2023 at 9-10pm): Four airliners were turned into weapons of mass destruction on 9/11; a fifth may have been targeted.

"Britney Spears: The Price of Freedom" (Monday, May 15, 2023 at 9-10pm): The one-hour special gives viewers an exclusive look at Britney's life a year and a half since her conservatorship ended. The revelations include details about her deeply troubled marriage, family estrangement, alarming behavior, failed intervention and how she continues to be an enduring force in the music industry. The special will also break down how the singer spends her days and reveal concern among those closest to her that she's a danger to herself and others.

"The Miracle Children of the Amazon" (Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 8-9pm): It's a miracle right out of the Old Testament - four children, including a one-year-old, make it out alive after a fatal plane crash and miraculously survive 40 days and 40 nights in a jungle where death is as common as life. There is peril everywhere -- wild animals, snakes, deadly insects and poisonous plants. But that's just the beginning of the story. TMZ is on the ground in Colombia digging into the politics behind the rescue, a deep family conflict and, frankly, parts of the story that just don't add up. Why was the family on the run? Why did the children hide from rescuers? And why is there now a bitter family battle over custody of the four kids?

"Gilgo Beach Serial Murders: Missed Warning Signs" (Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 9-10pm): The one-hour special analyzes the decades-long investigation revolving around the infamous series of tragic killings between 1996 and 2011, in which human remains of 11 people were found on or near Gilgo Beach on New York's Long Island. Today, Rex Heuermann, the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, stands accused of murdering multiple sex workers in a Long Island beach town. TMZ explores how a botched investigation and missed clues may have led to even more murders.

"Britney Spears: Divorce and Despair" (Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 8-9pm): The one-hour special gives viewers an updated look at Britney's life as her marriage to Sam Asghari comes to an end with a divorce that may get ugly. The split has been looming and Britney's rumored infidelity was the final straw for Sam. Her family estrangement continues, with no meaningful support and an uncertain future finding the superstar utterly alone. The question is -- did the "Free Britney" movement do her any favors by getting her out of the conservatorship?

On Monday, January 22, 2024, TMZ INVESTIGATES premiered as a series at 9pm ET/PT on FOX. In the premiere episode, "Obsessed and Dangerous: Hollywood's Stalker Crisis," TMZ explores the growing danger of celebrity stalking and exposes how laws do little to protect stars like Taylor Swift, Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock and many more from this sometimes deadly epidemic. This extensive look into celebrity stalking features brand new interviews from YouTube and WWE Star Logan Paul who recounts coming home to a stranger sleeping on his couch and TV personality Bristol Palin sharing her experience with several stalker situations over 10 years. New episodes debuted weekly on Mondays at 9pm through February 26.

On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 8:30pm ET/PT, FOX premiered "TMZ Investigates: JLo & Ben: Missed Warning Signs," a new one-hour special that explores why Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's marriage may have been doomed from the start.
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"TMZ Investigates: Matthew Perry & The Secret Celebrity Drug Ring" debuted on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 9pm ET/PT on FOX. This one-hour special exposes the celebrity drug network that contributed to Matthew Perry's death. Kelly Osbourne and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino open up to TMZ about their own struggles with addiction and shocking stories of medical professionals who sell their souls to gain access to celebrities and their money. Throughout the episode, the roles of drug dealers, willing enablers, unscrupulous doctors and unethical rehab centers will be examined.