“I Don’t put any Value on Anybody After They’re Gone”: Everything you need to know About The Mortician Docuseries

The chilling trailer for The Mortician has just dropped, giving viewers a raw glimpse into a dark saga that shocked an entire industry. This gripping docuseries pulls back the curtain on secrets that were long buried, promising revelations that will haunt you. With exclusive interviews and haunting testimonials, it’s clear this story is more than just a crime—it’s a seismic moment in mortuary history.

While the series dives deep into unsettling truths, it also exposes how one man’s actions forever changed the rules of an industry built on trust. The latest footage reveals shocking details, powerful confrontations, and the relentless pursuit of justice that unfolded behind closed doors. Fans of true crime and hard-hitting documentaries won’t want to miss the layers of drama and deception coming to light.

Get ready to uncover every twist and dark turn as we explore what makes The Mortician a must-watch sensation. From jaw-dropping revelations to exclusive insights, this coverage will keep you hooked. We’re constantly updating with fresh info, so stay tuned—what you think you know is only the beginning.

Release date & Where to Watch

The three-part docuseries launches Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 9 pm ET on HBO, with streaming available on Max in the US and Crave in Canada. New episodes will air every Sunday at the same time.

What is the plot of The Mortician?

The Mortician delves into the disturbing story of the Lamb Funeral Home, a family-run mortuary in 1980s Pasadena that abused its position of trust to exploit grieving families and the deceased. Under David Sconce’s leadership, the business engaged in shocking, unethical practices aimed at maximizing profits. 

Featuring candid interviews with Sconce, who has recently been released from prison, alongside emotional testimonies from victims’ families and former employees, the series exposes the hidden dark side of the multibillion-dollar funeral industry. 

This scandal not only rocked Southern California but also led to significant reforms and increased transparency within the mortuary business.

Who are the Featured Participants in The Mortician?

• David Sconce
• Barbara Hunt, Sconce’s ex-wife
• Jolena Grande, mortician
• Jay Brown and Elie Estephan, mortuary owners
• Journalists Ashley Dunn and David Geary
• Victims of Lamb Funeral Home
• Former employees and acquaintances of David Sconce
• Law enforcement and judicial officials

Is There a Trailer for The Mortician?

The trailer for The Mortician opens with a haunting reminder of trust’s importance in the funeral industry, “Trust is foundational for funeral directors,” a woman says, as the camera pans over the chilling interior of the crematorium. “The unfortunate reality is, like any other occupation, there are some bad apples,” she added.

As newspaper headlines flash — “A gruesome tale from behind mortuary doors” and “Horrific tales from a cremator” — David Sconce, newly released from prison, coldly states, “I don’t put any value on anybody after they’re gone and dead. As they shouldn’t when I’m gone and dead. Love ‘em when they’re here. Period.” Urns fill the screen, underscoring his grim perspective.

The trailer reveals how a local businessman first raised alarms, “complaining that he smelled burning flesh.” Another voice asserts, “David Sconce was doing something that was either illegal or immoral.” Sconce then chillingly admits, “I could cremate one guy in, like, two hours, or you could put 10 of them in there and take two and a half hours.” When asked what difference it made, he shrugs, “There is none.”

Voices of those affected contrast sharply with Sconce’s indifference: “They violated and desecrated my father. It’s unconscionable.” 

“That’s not your loved one anymore,” Sconce responds coldly. Further accusations surface, describing Sconce as “always threatening people” and speaking openly about “sneaky ways of killing people,” setting the stage for a gripping and unsettling look at this dark chapter in mortuary history.

The trailer ends on a mysterious note when asked if Sconce was involved in murder—one person sighs heavily and remains silent. One final insight: “David always felt the need to brag about everything, and he never figured out when to shut the f--- up.”

For a visual glimpse into this compelling story, watch the official trailer below: 

Episode Guide

• Season 1 Episode 1 (Sunday, June 1, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 2 (Sunday, June 8, 2025)
• Season 1 Episode 3 (Sunday, June 15, 2025)

Behind the Scenes

The Mortician is directed and executive produced by Joshua Rofé. The series is a Number 19 Production in association with Strong Baby, with executive producers Steven J. Berger, Jonah Hill, and Matt Dines. Produced by M. Elizabeth Hughes and Alison Goodwin, the project is presented by HBO Documentary Films, with Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Tina Nguyen serving as HBO executive producers.