Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini

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Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini
Genre Documentary
Directed byMichael Beach Nichols
Music by Dan Deacon
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes3
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Michael Beach Nichols
  • Christopher K. Walker
  • Colin Cosack
CinematographyHelki Frantzen
Editors
  • Christopher K. Walker
  • Colin Cosack
Running time52-61 minutes
Production companyMarwar Junction Productions
Original release
Network Hulu
ReleaseJune 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)

Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini is a 2024 American documentary series directed and produced by Michael Beach Nichols. It explores the Sherri Papini kidnapping hoax.

Contents

It premiered on June 20, 2024, on Hulu.

Premise

The series follows Sherri and Keith Papini, who live an ordinary life until Sherri disappears, triggering a search that becomes news around the world. [1]

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byOriginal release date
1"It's A Wonderful Life With You"Michael Beach NicholsJune 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)
2"Smegma was Relentless"Michael Beach NicholsJune 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)
3"You Never Found Me"Michael Beach NicholsJune 20, 2024 (2024-06-20)

Production

Hulu approached Erin Lee Carr about making a documentary revolving around the Sherri Papini kidnapping hoax, as Marwar Junction Productions had secured access to Keith Papini, instead Carr suggested Michael Beach Nichols to direct. [2] [3] Papini did not participate in the documentary, as requests from the filmmakers were never responded to. [4] The filmmakers reached out to James Reyes to participate, also declining. [5]

In July 2023, it was announced Michael Beach Nichols would direct a documentary series revolving around the Sherri Papini kidnapping hoax for Hulu, with Allison Berkley and Joseph Freed of Marwar Junction Productions set to executive produce along with Rob Ford and Erin Lee Carr. [6]

Release

The series premiered on Hulu June 20, 2024. [7] It will make its broadcast premiere debut on ABC beginning on January 30, 2025. [8]

Reception

Critical reception

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 60% approval rating based on 5 critic reviews. [9]

Viewership

During its first week of release, 3.6 million viewers tuned into the series, making it Hulu's most watched documentary series ever. [10]

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References

  1. Maglio, Tony (June 6, 2024). "Hulu Leaves No Stone Unturned in Trailer for Sherri Papini Docuseries". IndieWire . Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  2. Sippel, Margareux (June 25, 2024). "Where Is Sherri Papini Now? Hulu's Perfect Wife Filmmakers Tell Us What They Know". MovieMaker . Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  3. Batey, Eve (June 17, 2024). "Perfect Wife Makes Gone Girl Look Like a Fairy Tale". Vanity Fair . Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  4. Brodsky, Rachel (June 17, 2024). "The True Story of the Fake Kidnapping Behind the Sherri Papini Docuseries Perfect Wife". Time . Retrieved June 19, 2024.
  5. Thompson, Avery (June 21, 2024). "'Perfect Wife' Doc Team Answers Burning Questions About Contacting With Sherri Papini, James Reyes & More". TV Insider. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  6. Bell, BreAnna (July 25, 2023). "Hulu Orders Sherri Papini Kidnapping Hoax Documentary From 'Britney vs. Spears' Director (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety . Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  7. "Video: Trailer and Key Art Debut - Hulu Original "Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini"". The Futon Critic . June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  8. Schneider, Michael (November 11, 2024). "Hulu Gets Big ABC Showcase As 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' Sherri Papini Docuseries, 'Only Murders' All Join Midseason Lineup". Variety. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  9. "Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  10. Hailu, Selome (June 28, 2024). "'Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini' Hits 3.6 Million Views in One Week, Biggest Hulu Docuseries Ever (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved June 30, 2024.