Oobah Butler Sets HBO Series ‘Scams for a Better Tomorrow’; Professional Hoax Artist Takes On Wellness Industry, Royal Families and More

Oobah Butler, the gonzo journalist and professional hoax artist, is taking on the worlds of wine, wellness, royalty and more in a new HBO series, “Scams for a Better Tomorrow.” The show, produced by A24, will see Butler pulling off elaborate stunts to expose bullshit across industries. Per the logline, he “hatches elaborate and increasingly audacious schemes by gaming online reviews, assuming made-up personas, and launching fake companies with entirely bogus backstories.” In the trailer, Butler develops a mock skincare brand — a skin serum made of children’s tears — and attempts to get influencers, consumers and Wall Street investors on board. “It’s a gold rush of bullshit, and I want in,” he tells an incredulous attorney. Butler is known for his viral stunts, including creating a fake restaurant that became London’s No. 1-rated dining establishment on TripAdvisor. He worked for Vice magazine, hosting YouTube videos that earned tens of millions of views. In 2021, he became the co-host of “Catfish UK,” and in 2026 he released the film “How To Trick Your Way Onto The Property Ladder” on Channel 4. “Scams for a Better Tomorrow” is created by Butler, who executive produces with Dave Kneebone and Janel Kranking for Abso Lutely Productions; Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie for Central; A24; Daniel Lucchesi; Tristan Cross; Adam Schwartz; Richie Doyle; and Conor Hannon. The series is directed by Lucchesi. This marks A24’s fourth unscripted series with HBO, following the deranged docuseries “Neighbors,” which was renewed for a second season, “Born to Bowl” and Ben Stiller’s series chronicling the history, culture and legacy of the New York Knicks. Watch the trailer for “Oobah: Scams for a Better Tomorrow” below.