AceShowbiz - Richard Simmons, the iconic American fitness coach, captured the public’s attention during his famous Cruise to Lose, a Caribbean fitness retreat that showcased his energetic personality and passion for health.

In 2014, the fitness legend unexpectedly vanished from the public eye, sparking widespread concern and speculation. Despite numerous efforts by friends and reporters to contact him, Richard Simmons remained elusive. Rumors swirled, including troubling reports claiming he might have been held against his will by his manager and family. However, Simmons later denied these claims during a phone interview on the Today show.

Following a mysterious hospitalization and the closure of his Beverly Hills exercise studio, the fitness guru’s absence deepened the mystery surrounding his whereabouts and well-being. Fans and followers were left wondering: what happened to Richard Simmons?

Tragically, Simmons passed away in 2024. According to the Los Angeles Coroner's office, his death was due to "complications from recent falls and heart diseases." However, questions remain about how one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures spent his final years, and why he seemed to withdraw from the world so completely.

This Tuesday, May 12, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, ABC will air a new special titled The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special, bringing renewed focus on the life and legacy of the pioneering fitness star. Hosted by acclaimed journalist Diane Sawyer, the hour-long program promises to explore Simmons’ vibrant career and the puzzling circumstances of his disappearance.

For viewers who want to watch this special, it will be available on ABC and through several live streaming platforms. Those with a local ABC affiliate can simply tune in on their television, but for cord-cutters, multiple options exist for streaming the program live and even for free.

DIRECTV offers a MyNews Genre Pack priced at $39.99 per month, including ABC and over 20 other channels. New users can take advantage of a five-day free trial, perfect for watching The Mystery of Richard Simmons without a cable subscription. This trial is risk-free and can be canceled anytime after the special.

Another streaming option is Fubo, which provides ABC as part of its Sports + News package. Normally $55.99 monthly, Fubo currently offers a $10 discount for new subscribers. The package includes 28 channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously. A free trial is also available, allowing viewers to watch the special live at no cost.

Sling TV presents a more affordable alternative with its Sling Select package starting at $19.99 per month. In select markets, Sling carries ABC and offers up to three simultaneous streams. However, Sling does not have a free trial option at this time.

Additionally, Hulu + Live TV includes ABC among its 100+ live channels. The subscription costs $89.99 per month after a three-day free trial. Hulu users can watch the special live or wait to stream it on-demand starting May 13 on both Hulu and Disney+.

The special itself aims to provide a "joyful and revealing portrait of an American superstar." With his infectious energy and warmth, Richard Simmons built one of the most enduring fitness empires in the United States, becoming a household name and an inspiration to millions over more than 30 years.

However, the program also addresses the sudden withdrawal of Simmons from public life, which invited years of speculation about his health and personal circumstances. According to ABC, Simmons had been quietly preparing for a return to the spotlight and even reached out to Diane Sawyer to share his story. Sadly, just as the comeback interview was being arranged, news of his unexpected death emerged, adding another layer of intrigue to this already compelling narrative.

The special includes archival footage alongside interviews with those closest to Simmons, including his older brother. ABC secured an exclusive opportunity for Sawyer and her team to enter Richard Simmons’ home, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the private world he maintained during his years away from fame.

Described by the network as an effort to "unravel the truth behind his disappearance and shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death," the documentary provides a thoughtful examination of Simmons’ life, his enduring influence on fitness culture, and the unanswered questions that have lingered since his retreat from the public eye.

For those interested in catching The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special, be sure to tune in on Tuesday, May 12, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Live streaming options through DIRECTV, Fubo, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV make it accessible even without traditional cable.

Viewers can also watch the official trailer for the special online to get a preview of what this heartfelt tribute and investigation will reveal.

This broadcast promises to be a significant moment for fans and fitness enthusiasts alike, offering a chance to reconnect with the remarkable life and legacy of one of America’s most beloved fitness icons, while addressing the enduring mystery of his final years.