The Dropout

The Dropout is an American drama television series that premiered on Hulu in March 2021. The series is based on the podcast of the same name by ABC News, which details the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos. Holmes was a former biotechnology entrepreneur who became infamous for her role in one of the biggest corporate frauds in recent American history. The series explores the complex path that led Holmes to drop out of Stanford University and start Theranos, a company that aimed to revolutionize the healthcare industry with a device that could make blood testing faster and easier, but was later revealed to be non-functional.

Plot

The series chronicles the life of Elizabeth Holmes from her days as a young prodigy with a visionary idea, through the founding and meteoric rise of Theranos, to the eventual exposure of its fraudulent practices. It delves into the personal and professional relationships that shaped Holmes and the company, including her relationship with Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, a key figure in the Theranos scandal. The narrative also highlights the culture of secrecy and intimidation within Theranos, the investigative journalism that led to its downfall, and the legal battles that followed.

Cast and Characters

• Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes, the ambitious and enigmatic founder of Theranos.
• Naveen Andrews as Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, Holmes' business and romantic partner.
• Additional cast members portray various real-life figures involved in the story, including employees, journalists, and investors affected by the Theranos scandal.

Production

The series was announced in 2019, with Kate McKinnon originally set to play Holmes. However, McKinnon later exited the project, and Amanda Seyfried was cast in the lead role. The Dropout is produced by 20th Television and developed by Elizabeth Meriwether, who also serves as an executive producer. The show is part of a growing trend of television series and films that explore real-life business scandals and criminal activities.

Reception

The Dropout received critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and particularly Seyfried's performance as Elizabeth Holmes. Critics praised the series for its detailed examination of the Theranos scandal and its insights into Silicon Valley culture, entrepreneurship, and the dark side of the American dream. The show has sparked discussions about ethics in business and the cult of personality in the tech industry.

Impact

The series has contributed to the ongoing public fascination with Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, highlighting the broader implications of the scandal for the tech industry and startup culture. It has also raised questions about regulatory oversight, the role of media in uncovering corporate fraud, and the societal obsession with innovation and success at any cost.