Rapper Ice-T to Host New A&E Documentary Exploring the Nation’s Fentanyl Crisis

A new A&E documentary hosted by rapper and actor Ice-T is shining a spotlight on the destructive impact of fentanyl across the nation.

“Fame and Fentanyl,” which premieres on Aug. 25, will examine the far-reaching devastation wrought by the deadly synthetic opioid in all corners of the United States, highlighting its effects on the general population and among Hollywood’s elite.

“From high-profile celebrities to everyday families in the suburbs, cities, and along our border, fentanyl’s impact is profound and has devastated many,” an Aug. 4 press release reads.

“Families from all walks of life open up about their devastating losses and share their heart-breaking stories to shine a light on the crisis and help prevent more tragedies.”

The gripping two-hour special will explore the stories of Grammy-winning performer Prince, “Euphoria” star Angus Cloud, musician Tom Petty, and actor Michael K. Williams, among other celebrities—all of whom died from accidental drug overdoses.

“Everyone knows someone who has fallen victim to fentanyl,” Ice-T, who also serves as an executive producer on the documentary, says in the program’s official trailer. “These are the stories that everyone needs to hear.”

“Fame and Fentanyl” will also feature interviews with drug experts and special agents, providing a raw and unfiltered look into the criminal investigations launched to combat fentanyl trafficking.

Fentanyl, which is more potent than heroin and morphine, can be prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, including after surgeries.

However, the vast majority of fentanyl contributing to the nation’s drug overdoses is made illegally, the National Institutes of Health reports.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths among Americans between the ages of 18 and 45.

Approximately 48,422 people died from fentanyl overdoses in 2024, down from roughly 76,282 the previous year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes on its website.

In a statement, Ice-T, who is known for his role in the popular crime drama series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” shared that he has been personally affected by America’s fentanyl crisis.

“Fentanyl, for me, came out of nowhere,” the actor said. “By the time I learned about the drug, I had already lost people to it. It’s a poison in the drug world, and I wanted to do everything that I could to make people aware of its danger.”