The gripping new true crime podcast ‘LUIGI’, produced by Law&Crime in collaboration with Wheelhouse’s Twist Media, is set to premiere exclusively on Wondery+ on March 24, 2025. Hosted by legal analyst Jesse Weber, this four-episode series unpacks the controversial and chilling case surrounding Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old suspect accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what authorities claim was a calculated act of protest against America’s skyrocketing healthcare costs.
A Crime That Shook the Nation
In December 2024, Thompson was shot in broad daylight on the streets of New York City, sending shockwaves through corporate America and igniting fierce online debates. According to law enforcement, Mangione—a former Ivy League graduate—orchestrated the attack as a radical statement on the class divide and corporate greed. What followed was a dramatic five-day interstate manhunt, capturing national attention and spawning viral online movements.
Beyond True Crime: A Cultural and Legal Examination
While ‘LUIGI’ dissects the legal intricacies of the case, it also delves into its sociopolitical implications. The podcast explores:
- The deepening class divide and growing frustration over corporate influence on essential services.
- The ethics of financial disparity, with healthcare affordability at the center of the debate.
- Social media’s polarizing role, where TikTok communities have created a viral campaign under the hashtag #FreeLuigi, portraying Mangione as an activist rather than a criminal.
Key Features of the Podcast
Listeners can expect a comprehensive deep dive into the case with:
- Exclusive legal analysis from attorneys, investigators, and policy experts.
- Unreleased court documents providing new insights into the prosecution’s case.
- Interviews with insiders, including those close to Mangione and the victim’s family.
- Expert opinions on digital-age activism, questioning whether online movements impact real-world justice.
A Trial That Could Define the Decade
With legal analysts already calling this “the trial of the decade”, ‘LUIGI’ presents both narratives—Mangione as a cold-blooded killer versus a misunderstood activist. The podcast challenges listeners to reflect on:
- Justice vs. Vigilantism: Is Mangione a terrorist, or does his act expose a deeper societal flaw?
- Corporate Responsibility vs. Individual Rebellion: Where does accountability lie in a system where millions struggle with healthcare costs?
- The Role of Media: Has the viral nature of #FreeLuigi influenced public perception of the case?
Release Date and Streaming Details
- Podcast Title: LUIGI
- Release Date: March 24, 2025
- Platform: Exclusively on Wondery+
- Producer: Law&Crime in collaboration with Wheelhouse’s Twist Media
- Host: Jesse Weber
