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Hulu Announces Release Date for ‘Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara’

We’re thrilled to share that Hulu has officially set the release date for its upcoming feature documentary, Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara. Mark your calendars—this must-watch film will premiere on Friday, October 18th. Created by Story Syndicate in association with Erin Lee Carr’s Carr Lot Productions, this documentary promises to be an intense and eye-opening exploration of the darker side of fame and fandom.

For those who might not be familiar, Tegan and Sara are Canadian twin sisters who have significantly impacted the indie-pop scene with their unique sound and lyrical depth. Since their debut in the early 2000s, they’ve carved out a niche in the music world with their distinct blend of indie, pop, and electronic influences. Albums like The Con and Heartthrob have become iconic, resonating deeply with fans across the globe.

But Tegan and Sara are more than just musical talents—they’re trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community. Both sisters are openly gay and have been vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights throughout their careers. They don’t just sing about love and life; they weave their identities into their music, creating anthems that resonate with listeners. Their advocacy extends beyond the stage, as they actively work with organizations championing LGBTQ+ rights, pushing for broader representation, and promoting acceptance within the music industry and beyond.

Image by Gareth Cattermole | Getty Images

Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara delves into a harrowing chapter in the duo’s life and career. Tegan and Sara have always cultivated an inclusive and passionate fanbase, one that has been a safe haven for many queer individuals around the world. Their confessional lyrics and open celebration of their identities provided solace for fans during a time when few artists were willing to declare their allyship.

However, this close-knit community faced a devastating betrayal in 2011 when Tegan’s personal files were hacked. The hacker, known as “Fake Tegan,” weaponized Tegan’s identity in a complex catfishing scheme that ensnared members of their fanbase, leading to a spiral of mistrust, anxiety, and self-doubt. 

This documentary, helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Erin Lee Carr (Britney Vs. Spears), follows Tegan as she seeks to uncover the person behind this elaborate deception that terrorized her fans and community for over fifteen years. The investigation, interwoven with the original inquiry from 2011, reveals new victims, potential suspects, and shocking twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Image via the Tegan and Sara Foundation

This film isn’t just a thriller; it’s a deeply personal journey that cuts to the heart of love and betrayal, fame and fandom, desire and delusion in the 21st century. Told through Tegan’s voice, the voices of deceived fans, and the band’s behind-the-scenes archive, Fanatical promises to be a compelling blend of caper and emotional exploration.

The documentary is a Story Syndicate production in association with Carr Lot Productions, directed and produced by Erin Lee Carr. Elyssa Hess and Jenny Eliscu also serve as producers, with Tegan Quin, Sara Quin, Dan Cogan, Liz Garbus, Jon Bardin, and Kate Barry as executive producers.

So make sure to tune in to Hulu on October 18th for this captivating documentary—it’s a story that’s as much about the power of fandom as it is about the dangers lurking in the shadows of the internet.


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Featured Image: Images Courtesy of The Karpel Group