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Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam Season 1 follows the rise and fall of Zachary Horwitz, a former actor who allegedly built a film licensing camp that earned him huge sums and the trust of people close to him. The docuseries features interviews, documents and a careful timeline that tracks how the money moved and why faith in the plan began to crumble.
The case is at the center of the show. Resolutions and documents describe the legal outcome, while friends and family describe their experiences from inside the story. The season offers a first-hand look at the choices that reportedly drove the plan and the response that occurred once payments slowed.
Background of the case
Zachary Joseph Horwitzknown on screen as Zach Avery, he turned to acting while also landing film rights deals. Credits include supporting roles in genre films and thrillers. Around him, an image of progress was formed through social posts, industry events, and a high-end lifestyle that suggested steady success.
That image helped build trust, according to accounts from major outlets and court records. Investors were told the moneyed rights to the films would be resold to major platforms. At first, the promised returns seemed steady. Documents and emails were shown to support the submission.
Initial structure of the supposed scheme
The mechanics were simple to follow. Funds from investors were pooled to finance alleged licensing deals. Payments to previous notes were reportedly from new cash. Contracts and correspondence were filed to quell doubts as time ran out.
At the end of 2019, the defaults were assembled. Requests for answers increased from investors. Investors warned of legal action. Federal agents got involved. According to the LA Times, Horwitz later received a 20-year sentence and was ordered to pay more than $230 million in restitution.
Collapse, plea and consequences
Court documents describe a classic Ponzi scheme. The money paid does not match the actual business activity. Emails and agreements shown to investors were described as fake. The pressure mounted as more bills came in and new funding slowed.
In October 2021, Horwitz pleaded guilty to securities fraud. Sentencing followed in February 2022. People.com reported that prosecutors said the scheme raised at least $650 million and involved hundreds of victims. Recovery efforts through a receiver have continued, with some clawbacks recorded in submissions.
Human toll as framed Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam season 1
The series highlights the impact on friends, family and business contacts who believed in the plan. Several investors described significant losses, changes in work plans and lingering mistrust. Interviews emphasize how personal ties lowered defenses.
The trust also shaped the story around Horwitz's home life. Accounts from his ex-wife and close friends detail the shift from admiration to alarm as delays piled up and questions multiplied. The program keeps these voices near the center of the timeline.
about Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam season 1
Prime Video features a three-episode format. Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam season 1 premiered on October 17, 2025. The series is directed by Rebecca Chaiklin, with Library Films, VICE Studios and Article 19 Films among the producers.
The three episodes of Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam Season 1 is available to stream on Prime Video.
Read also: 5 chilling details about Alex Murdaugh's case in Murdaugh: Death in the Family
Edited by Preethika Vijayakumar
