ABC’s ‘The Mystery of Richard Simmons’ Special Returns to Air, Free Online via Diane Sawyer Documentary
On May 11, 2026, The Hollywood Reporter listed streaming options for *The Mystery of Richard Simmons*, an hour‑long ABC documentary hosted by veteran journalist Diane Sawyer that investigates the 2014 disappearance of the fitness icon from public view.
The special, aired on May 9, seeks to unravel the long‑standing speculation surrounding Simmons’s abrupt withdrawal from the spotlight, including claims of health issues, family pressures, and alleged legal disputes. The investigation arrives as public interest spikes after a recent TikTok trend resurfacing vintage Simmons videos.
According to the piece, the documentary includes exclusive interviews with Simmons’s former spin‑class alumni, a never‑before‑seen family video, and commentary from legal analyst Michael Levine. Diane Sawyer states, “We’ve uncovered new testimony that suggests a possible private health crisis, but the full story remains elusive.” The report notes that the full hour is available for free streaming on ABC’s website, Hulu’s live TV tier, and via the network’s app, with no subscription required.
Media commentator Rachel Ng of The Atlantic remarks that the special reflects a broader fascination with celebrity disappearances, comparing it to the 2021 Netflix series on Amy Winehouse. She adds that the documentary may prompt renewed discussion about privacy rights for public figures.
A follow‑up panel discussion featuring Sawyer, Simmons’s former trainers, and mental‑health advocates is scheduled for broadcast on ABC’s *Nightline* on June 2. Viewers and journalists alike will be watching for any official statement from Simmons or his representatives, which remains pending.