*A&E’s upcoming two-hour documentary, “Fame and Fentanyl,” hosted by Ice-T, takes a sobering look at the toll of fentanyl across the United States.
Airing on Monday, August 25 at 9 pm ET/PT, the special uncovers the drug’s devastating reach, from high-profile celebrity deaths to the heartbreak of everyday families. The program aims to raise awareness about a crisis that has claimed countless lives.
The special highlights the stories of well-known figures like Prince, Angus Cloud, Tom Petty, and Michael K. Williams, whose deaths brought national attention to fentanyl’s dangers. Alongside these, families from diverse backgrounds share their personal losses, offering raw accounts of grief to underscore the urgency of addressing this epidemic. What began as an obscure drug has become a leading cause of overdoses, with over 70,000 deaths at the crisis’s peak.
Ice-T, reflecting on the project, said, “Fentanyl, for me, came out of nowhere. By the time I learned about the drug, I had already lost people to it. It’s a poison in the drug world, and I wanted to do everything that I could to make people aware of its danger.” His connection drives the special’s mission to educate and prevent further tragedy.
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Beyond personal stories, “Fame and Fentanyl” unpacks the fight against the drug trade, featuring insights from experts and law enforcement agents. The documentary reveals the challenges of tracking down dealers responsible for distributing deadly doses, offering a glimpse into the criminal investigations that seek justice for victims.
Produced by Candle True Stories, the special boasts a strong production team, with executive producers James Goldston, Steven Baker, Erica Hanson, and Ice-T himself, alongside Jorge Hinojosa. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson represent A&E as executive producers, with Erica Hanson also directing. The program will be available On Demand and for streaming on the A&E App and aetv.com, ensuring broad accessibility.
By blending personal narratives, expert perspectives, and investigative depth, “Fame and Fentanyl” seeks to spark conversation and action against a drug that continues to devastate communities. Ice-T’s involvement brings a powerful voice to this urgent call for awareness.
Watch the trailer above.
If you are struggling with substance addiction, you are not alone. Call SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit SAMHSA.GOV. For additional resources, visit aetv.com/fentanylresources.
