What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Dropout
ABC News · Podcast · 2026
If you loved The Dropout, start with Lucky Loser (Russ Buettner and Susanne Craig) — a book on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 2 films and 4 series, each matched to The Dropout across media.
If you loved The Dropout, you are clearly fascinated by the fragile intersection of extreme ambition, corporate deception, and rapid downfall.
Books on the same thread
Lucky Loser
Russ Buettner and Susanne Craig · Book
Shares a thread with The Dropout: investigative journalism.
Much like the investigation into Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout, this deep dive into wealth and reputation exposes the hollow foundations behind a carefully curated public persona.
Careless People
Sarah Wynn-Williams · Book
Shares a thread with The Dropout: investigative journalism.
The corporate dysfunction and ethical failures explored here mirror the toxic culture of Theranos, providing the same behind-the-scenes look at industry giants featured in The Dropout.
Educated
Tara Westover · Book · 2018
Explores: Survivalism, Generational trauma, Academic ambition.
This memoir captures the same intense drive for academic and social reinvention that fueled Elizabeth Holmes, grounding the grandiosity of The Dropout in a deeply personal struggle.
The Trump Tapes
Bob Woodward · Book
Explores: Presidential rhetoric, Political accountability, Public perception.
Just as The Dropout deconstructs the narrative of a powerful figure, these interviews reveal the disconnect between public rhetoric and private reality for a high-profile individual.
Films on the same thread
The Crash
Film · 2026
The transition from a seemingly tragic accident to a complex murder case echoes the shocking legal unraveling that defines the final chapters of The Dropout story.
Molly's Game
Aaron Sorkin · Film · 2017
Explores: Entrepreneurship, High-stakes gambling, FBI investigation.
You will recognize the familiar arc of a charismatic entrepreneur whose high-stakes ambition eventually attracts the scrutiny of federal investigators, much like the collapse seen in The Dropout.
Series on the same thread
The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst
Andrew Jarecki · Series · 2015
Explores: Wealth and Privilege, Elusive Justice, Unsolved Mystery.
If the elusive nature of justice and the arrogance of the wealthy in The Dropout captivated you, this investigation into a privileged man evading consequences will feel essential.
WeCrashed
Drew Crevello · Series · 2022
Shares a thread with The Dropout: Hubris.
This drama perfectly captures the hubris and rapid valuation collapse of a startup, mirroring the disastrous rise and fall of the company at the center of The Dropout.
Unbelievable
Susannah Grant · Series · 2019
Explores: Sexual Assault Investigation, Victim Blaming, Systemic Injustice.
The focus on determined investigators uncovering a sinister truth behind a lie is a thematic sibling to the journalistic persistence that eventually brought down the subject of The Dropout.
High Potential
Drew Goddard · Series · 2024
Explores: Unlikely Partnerships, Brilliant Outsider, Single Parent.
The satisfaction of watching a brilliant outsider navigate complex systems to solve crimes provides a compelling, procedural counterpart to the investigative journey depicted in The Dropout.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Dropout based on a true story?
Yes, The Dropout is a factual podcast by ABC News that chronicles the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes. It details the actual events surrounding her company, Theranos, and the subsequent criminal charges she faced after her status as a self-made billionaire collapsed.
What is the main subject of The Dropout?
The Dropout focuses on the deception and ambition behind Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos. The podcast examines how the woman once heralded as the next Steve Jobs lost everything, leading to her facing criminal charges and the potential for decades in prison.
Does The Dropout cover the criminal trial of Elizabeth Holmes?
The Dropout explores the downfall of Elizabeth Holmes, including the transition from her fame as a billionaire to the criminal charges she faced. It investigates the tragedy and deception that occurred within Theranos and how her rapid ascent turned into a legal battle.
Who produced the podcast The Dropout?
The Dropout was produced by ABC News. The series provides an in-depth look at the life of Elizabeth Holmes, the rise of her company Theranos, and the eventual legal consequences she encountered after being accused of serious crimes.