Jordan Belfort Hosting discovery+’s GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack

Discovery has commissioned the fast-turnaround documentary special GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack (wt), which will be hosted by Jordan Belfort, known as The Wolf of Wall Street.

Produced by ITN Productions, the special explores the story of how a group of amateur traders played the Wall Street professionals at their own game. In a series of vignettes, Belfort will track the timeline of what happened in layman’s terms and why we all need to pay attention. The special will also feature insider accounts from those at the center of GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack. It will premiere on discovery+ in the U.K. on April 8, and roll out internationally this year.

In January, the story of GameStop and its skyrocketing stock price hit headlines. It was caused by a group of young, risk-embracing day traders who were using social media to organize a massive stock buy-up. It shook the world’s markets and exposed the shared fiction of the Stock Market itself.

In the 1990s, Belfort built one of the most successful firms in Wall Street history that came crashing down in 1999 when he pled guilty to securities fraud and money laundering and served 22 months in prison.

Belfort said, “Now I’ve found some very creative ways to make money on Wall Street, but I’ve got to say, personally, I love the fact that everyone now has the ability to organize and give the Wall Street players a run for their money, it’s a real David versus Goliath story. I’m praying that the amateur traders are victorious but one thing I can assure you of, it’s going to be a wild ride every step of the way!”

Simon Downing, senior VP and head of factual and sports for Discovery UK, said: “Our investigative discovery+ originals have been incredibly popular around the world and we’re delighted to bring fans this timely documentary next month. GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack is an informative, entertaining and jaw-dropping look at one of the most riveting financial stories of our times. Told by none other than The Wolf of Wall Street himself, Jordan Belfort, it promises to be an adventure…”

Ian Russell, head of international programs at ITN Productions, added: “This is an incredible story with the perfect host to shine a light on how social media is changing the way stocks are traded. ITN Productions’ international infrastructure, news archive and ability to move quickly make us uniquely placed to produce a project like this.”