Unraveling ‘The Mystery of Richard Simmons’: How to Stream the Diane Sawyer ABC Special for Free
Richard Simmons, the iconic fitness guru, captivated audiences for decades with his vibrant personality and dedication to health. However, his sudden disappearance from the public eye in 2014 raised questions that lingered for years. This article explores the circumstances surrounding Simmons’ life, his re-emergence in the media, and how to watch the upcoming special that delves into his story.
The Disappearance of Richard Simmons
In 2014, Richard Simmons abruptly withdrew from public life, leaving fans and friends concerned. Attempts to contact him were met with silence, leading to speculation that he was being held against his will by his manager and family. This claim was later denied by Simmons himself during a phone interview with the Today show. Following his disappearance, he experienced a mysterious hospitalization, and his beloved Beverly Hills exercise studio closed shortly thereafter.
Simmons passed away in 2024, with the Los Angeles Coroner’s office attributing his death to complications from recent falls and heart diseases. Despite his passing, many questions remain about how the fitness icon spent his final years and why he chose to retreat from the spotlight.
ABC’s Special on Richard Simmons
Simmons’ life and legacy are set to be revisited in a new ABC special hosted by Diane Sawyer, titled The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special. This hour-long broadcast is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. on ABC, bringing attention back to the life of a man who inspired millions.
How to Watch The Mystery of Richard Simmons Online Free
For those wishing to watch the special on television, it will be available through local ABC affiliates. However, viewers without cable can still access the broadcast through various streaming services. Here are some options:
DIRECTV
DIRECTV offers a live streaming service that includes ABC as part of its MyNews Genre Pack, priced at $39.99 per month. New users can take advantage of a five-day free trial, allowing them to watch The Mystery of Richard Simmons without any upfront commitment.
FuboTV
FuboTV provides access to ABC as part of its Sports + News package, regularly priced at $55.99 per month. New subscribers can benefit from a $10 discount and a free trial, making it a viable option for streaming the special.
Sling TV
Sling TV also offers ABC in select markets through its Sling Select package. While it does not currently provide a free trial, it allows users to stream the special live.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV includes ABC among its offerings, allowing subscribers to watch the special live or on-demand after its initial airing. A three-day free trial is available for new users.
What Is the New Richard Simmons Special About?
The upcoming special is described as a “joyful and revealing portrait of an American superstar.” It will highlight Simmons’ remarkable career and the impact he had on American culture through his fitness empire. The program will also address the years of speculation surrounding his retreat into seclusion.
According to ABC, Simmons had been planning a return to the public eye, even reaching out to Sawyer for an interview. However, preparations for this comeback took an unexpected turn with the announcement of his death.
The special will feature archival footage and interviews with Simmons’ friends and family, including insights from his older brother. The aim is to uncover the truth behind his disappearance and provide a deeper understanding of his life and legacy.
Viewers can catch The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special on Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. For those interested in streaming it online for free, options include DIRECTV.
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Published on 2026-05-12 05:55:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk