How could we not be intrigued by Don’t Date Brandon, a new true-crime docuseries that is about, more than anything, women looking out for other women?
The three-part series dropped on October 28, and we’re sure you have questions. Questions like: What is Don’t Date Brandon actually about? Where can you stream it? Where is everyone now? Here is everything we know about Don’t Date Brandon.
What is Don’t Date Brandon about?
Amber Rasmussen and Athena Klingerman, both ex-wives of Brandon Johnson, come together to uncover and expose Johnson’s allegedly abusive behavior. First, in 2020, they launched a podcast called Ex-Wives Undercover, which provided a platform for additional victims to come forward.
The series documents Johnson’s reported behavior, which includes allegations of stalking, harassment, threats, and even a break-in. According to the Portland Tribune, six women in three states collectively filed at least 17 protective orders against him.
Where is it streaming?
You can stream Don’t Date Brandon on Paramount now.
Is there a trailer?
You can watch the two-minute trailer now. It includes several disturbing clips, and many of the victims’ allegations.
Where is Brandon now?
Per the Sacramento Bee, Johnson was charged with assault and attempted kidnapping with the intent to commit rape in 2023. He took a plea deal and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 2027, according to the Portland Tribune.
He has also allegedly admitted to 10 counts of attempted first-degree theft, per People. And, according to Us Weekly, has pleaded guilty to three counts of domestic violence and one count of entrapment, as well as insurance fraud.
Where are Amber and Athena now?
Amber Rasmussen and Athena Klingerman know that Johnson might want to retaliate for the docuseries and their podcast, but they told Us Weekly that it’s more important to them to get the word out. And they are still airing their podcast, Ex-Wives Undercover, today.
“We made a difference—and a big one in multiple women’s lives. That’s why we ended up continuing with the podcast and sharing other women’s stories,” said Rasmussen to Us Weekly. Johnson is no longer the only man covered by the podcast. It has now expanded to covering other first-hand accounts of toxic or abusive relationships from the women who survived them. Klingerman said to Us, “We started the podcast as a way to process our pain and get it out there. But now it’s a platform for helping others heal…We’re just hoping to turn this more into a movement.”
‘Don’t Date Brandon’: Everything We Know About the New True-Crime Docuseries
What Is ‘Don’t Date Brandon’?
‘don’t Date Brandon’ is a compelling new true-crime docuseries premiering in 2025 that dives deep into a sinister tale of online dating deception.Directed by Grace Chapman, this documentary is inspired by the well-known podcast Ex-Wives Undercover and chronicles the chilling experiences of two women who discover they unknowingly dated the same manipulative man named Brandon.
The series unfolds as these women join forces to launch a podcast aimed at warning others about Brandon’s dangerous patterns of lies, manipulation, and abuse. As more victims come forward,the dark secrets behind Brandon’s facade unravel,revealing a widespread pattern of emotional abuse and deception.
Storyline and Themes
At the center of this series is the intersection of modern online dating with the perils of digital deception. The key themes explored include:
- Online Dating Dangers: How easily trusting individuals fall prey to skilled manipulators hiding behind curated online personas.
- Emotional Manipulation: The psychological toll on victims trapped in toxic relationships marked by deceit and control.
- Empowerment through Community: How victims support one another by sharing stories and raising awareness.
- Podcast as a Weapon: Using modern media platforms to expose abusers and prevent further harm.
Plot Overview
The docuseries tracks how the initial two women linked by Brandon’s lies take an investigative and therapeutic journey by chronicling their ordeals in a podcast. Their efforts uncover several other victims, building a case that peels back Brandon’s many layers of deception and manipulation.
Where to Watch ‘Don’t Date Brandon’
The series officially premiered in late October 2025 and is available on Paramount Plus. It is indeed presented as a three-part docuseries, each episode focusing on new revelations and victim testimonials.
- Streaming Platform: Paramount Plus
- Number of Episodes: 3
- director: Grace Chapman
- Release Date: October 2025
A Closer Look: Key Facts About the Docuseries
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | True Crime, Documentary |
| inspiration | Podcast “Ex-Wives Undercover” |
| Main Subjects | Athena Klingerman & Amber Rassmussen (Victims) |
| Theme | Deception, Online Dating Abuse, Manipulation |
| Format | 3-Part Docuseries |
| Production Highlights | Intimate interviews, real podcast footage, and expert analysis |
Victims’ Insights and Firsthand Experiences
One of the most compelling aspects of the series is the raw, firsthand accounts shared by the women who were deceived by Brandon. These testimonies provide valuable psychological and emotional insights into how predators operate in the modern dating landscape.
Key Takeaways from Victims’ Stories
- Signs to Watch Out For: Sudden contradictions in stories, evasiveness about personal details, and rapid escalations in relationship intensity.
- Emotional Toll: Victims describe confusion, self-doubt, and lasting trauma after realizing the true nature of their abuser.
- Support systems Matter: Collective storytelling and community support served as crucial tools for healing and justice pursuits.
Why ‘Don’t Date Brandon’ Resonates with Audiences
This docuseries stands out amid the crowded true-crime genre for several reasons:
- Modern Romance Meets True Crime: It offers a timely exploration of dangers inherent in digital dating culture.
- Empowerment Through Exposure: The show emphasizes the power of victims reclaiming their narratives and using media as a catalyst for change.
- Multi-platform Engagement: Originating from a podcast, the story taps into the dedicated true-crime fanbase while expanding into visual storytelling.
- Emotional Depth: The range of emotions documented-from heartbreak to resilience-makes it relatable and impactful.
Practical Tips: Staying Safe in the World of Online Dating
Drawing from the docuseries’ revelations, here are some practical tips to protect yourself when dating online:
- Verify Identities: Use video calls early on to confirm who you’re really communicating with.
- Take Your Time: Avoid rushing into emotional attachments-manipulators pressure for quick intimacy.
- Set Boundaries: Trust your instincts and don’t tolerate evasiveness or inconsistent stories.
- Share With Loved Ones: Discuss your new relationships openly for outside perspective and support.
- Research Background: When possible, discreetly check for red flags through social media and public records.
Additional Resources
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-Wives undercover Podcast | Original podcast inspiring the series,sharing victims’ stories in-depth | exwivesundercover.com |
| Paramount Plus | Streaming platform hosting the docuseries | paramountplus.com |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | Support and resources for victims of emotional and dating abuse | thehotline.org |
Critical Reviews and Audience Reception
Critics have praised ‘Don’t Date Brandon’ for its sensitive yet unflinching portrayal of abuse victims’ journeys and its innovative approach to true crime storytelling. Viewers appreciate the blend of documentary realism with podcast intimacy, making for an engaging watch that is both educational and emotionally resonant.
The series has quickly amassed a following eager to uncover every detail of Brandon’s story, while also sparking broader conversations about online dating safety and accountability.
FAQs about the Docuseries
Q1: Is ‘Don’t date Brandon’ based on a true story?
Yes, the series is based on actual events uncovered through a podcast where victims share their real-life experiences involving brandon’s manipulations.
Q2: How many episodes does the docuseries have?
The docuseries consists of three episodes, each exploring different facets of Brandon’s deceptive behavior and the victims’ paths to justice.
Q3: Where can I watch ‘Don’t Date Brandon’?
You can stream the series exclusively on Paramount Plus.
Q4: Who directed the docuseries?
Grace Chapman helmed the production, bringing an insightful and empathetic lens to the story.
