“The Mystery Of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special” Coming Soon To ABC, Hulu & Disney+
Disney has announced details on a brand new documentary called “The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special”, which is coming soon to ABC, Hulu and Disney+.
This new documentary traces the beloved personality’s remarkable rise to fame and examines the cultural impact that made him a household name.
The new hourlong special is a joyful and revealing portrait of an American superstar. With his boundless energy and signature warmth, Simmons built one of the most enduring fitness empires in American culture, becoming a popular fixture on television and in the daily lives of millions for over three decades.
In 2014, Simmons abruptly vanished from the public eye, retreating into seclusion and sparking years of speculation about his whereabouts and well-being. After a decade of silence, Simmons began quietly planning a return. Reaching out directly to Diane Sawyer to share his story, he sent her dozens of flowers accompanied by a simple note: “I Trust You.” As preparations were underway for a long-awaited interview, the story took a bizarre turn with news of Simmons’ sudden and mysterious death.
Shortly after his death, his older brother extended an invitation to Sawyer and her team to enter Richard’s home and explore the world he had kept hidden for so long. Through intimate interviews with those closest to him, the special seeks to unravel the truth behind his disappearance and shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death, offering a poignant look at the life, legacy and enduring intrigue of this American icon.
“The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special” is produced by ABC News Studios. Mark Robertson and David Sloan are senior executive producers, and Tess Scott Davidson is executive producer.
This new documentary will premiere on Tuesday, 12th May 2026 at 9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT, on ABC, and it will stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu in the United States. No international Disney+ release details have been revealed.
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