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Hackers Leak Eight Episodes of An Unreleased ABC Show (torrentfreak.com)

The hacking entity TheDarkOverlord (TDO) has reportedly leaked Steve Harvey's Funderdome via The Pirate Bay. TDO said they approached ABC "with a most handsome business proposal" not to leak eight episodes of the ABC show but was "rudely denied an audience." TorrentFreak reports: Late April, a hacking group calling itself TheDarkOverlord (TDO) warned that unless a ransom was paid, it would begin leaking a trove of unreleased TV shows and movies. Almost immediately it carried through with its threat by leaking the season five premiere of Netflix's Orange is The New Black. The leak was just the start though, with another nine episodes quickly following. Netflix had clearly refused to pay any ransom. "We've just released ABC's 'Steve Harvey's Funderdome' Season 01 Episodes 01 through 08. This is a completely unaired show," TDO told TF. Ever since there have been suggestions that TDO could leak additional material. It was previously established that the Orange is the New Black leak was the result of a breach at post-production studio Larson Studios. TDO previously indicated that it had more content up its sleeve from the same location. During the past few hours that became evident when a message sent to TF heralded a new leak of yet another unaired show. TDO refused to confirm where it had obtained the content but since the show was present in an earlier list distributed by TDO, it seems possible if not probable that the episodes were also obtained from Larson. We're unwilling to discuss the source of this material, but we'll go on the record stating that this is content that is owned by American Broadcasting Company and it's just been released on the world wide web for everyone's consumption," TDO said.

59 of 87 comments (clear)

  1. Are the hackers trying to hurt ABC or us? by barc0001 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Inflicting a Steve Harvey show on the world seems cruel.

    1. Re:Are the hackers trying to hurt ABC or us? by lucm · · Score: 1

      He's a confirmed superstar now, as he finally made the frontpage of the National Enquirer.

      http://www.nationalenquirer.co...

      The ENQUIRER also discovered the “Little Big Shots” host, 60, is so terrified his depraved split personality will be exposed that he’s degenerated into a recluse, surrounding himself with 'round-the-clock armed security — that costs a whopping $25,000 a month!

      --
      lucm, indeed.
    2. Re:Are the hackers trying to hurt ABC or us? by lucm · · Score: 1, Offtopic

      The "Trump regime" so far has yet to cause the chaos and mayhem predicted by the Clintonazis; the only attacks on freedom and democracy since the election have come from the disgruntled liberals rioting because they lost.

      You can keep spinning current events with the dishonest lens of Trump bashing, it no longer work. Everyone can see that he is so far a better President than Obama.

      --
      lucm, indeed.
    3. Re:Are the hackers trying to hurt ABC or us? by mentil · · Score: 1

      The FCC sure has done a 180 on Title 2 net neutrality. Remember the "Muslims from these countries can't come into the USA" that was smacked down by judges multiple times? I'd call those all 'attacks on freedom.'

      --
      Corruption is convincing someone that the selfless ideal is the same as their selfish ideal.
    4. Re:Are the hackers trying to hurt ABC or us? by Opportunist · · Score: 1

      Why do you think nobody paid to stop them? They knew what the show is like.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    5. Re:Are the hackers trying to hurt ABC or us? by Opportunist · · Score: 1

      Yup. Mostly because pretty much everything he tried to do was shot down by Congress, Senate or some upper level court, but if you only look at the results and now how they came into existence, nobody can deny that: Trump doesn't know enough about politics to fuck the system up. Obama knew too much and was unfortunately very good at it, and we can only imagine what Clinton could have done with her knowledge of the political process.

      Still... I somehow can't say I'm happy that the best feature of the current administration is its lack of ability to fuck the system up.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
  2. Will this help or hurt? by crow · · Score: 1

    I'm wondering if the leaks will hurt or help the ratings. Some people will watch the downloads instead of the broadcasts, but those people may generate buzz for the shows (if they're any good) and increase the excitement and eventual ratings.

    If the shows are lousy, the leaks will probably hurt, but otherwise they should help.

    1. Re:Will this help or hurt? by Mr+D+from+63 · · Score: 1

      I'm wondering if the leaks will hurt or help the ratings. Some people will watch the downloads instead of the broadcasts, but those people may generate buzz for the shows (if they're any good) and increase the excitement and eventual ratings.

      If the shows are lousy, the leaks will probably hurt, but otherwise they should help.

      I suppose some people that would never normally watch it might just because they can get a pirated copy.

    2. Re:Will this help or hurt? by sexconker · · Score: 1

      Let's face facts: This show was cancelled before it even aired.

    3. Re:Will this help or hurt? by ShanghaiBill · · Score: 3, Informative

      1. If a Netflix subscriber watches the pirated show, Netflix loses nothing, and saves because they aren't providing the bandwidth.
      2. If a non-subscriber watches the show, they may become a subscriber to see future episodes.

      Either way, Netflix wins, plus they are getting free publicity. This is such an obvious win for Netflix, that I wonder if they faked the whole thing and actually put it on PB themselves.

    4. Re:Will this help or hurt? by LunaticTippy · · Score: 2

      So you are arguing that a conspiracy is more plausible than poor security? I'd say that poor security is a given, hackers demanding ransom happens constantly. Sure, it isn't an awful advertising campaign but I think that simply influenced their decision making upon receiving the ransom demand.

      --
      Man, you really need that seminar!
    5. Re:Will this help or hurt? by Opportunist · · Score: 1

      I'm mostly arguing that a conspiracy is more likely than anyone giving enough of a fuck about a show starring someone nobody wants to see to go out of their way to steal it.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    6. Re:Will this help or hurt? by Desler · · Score: 1

      You're mixing up shows. The Steve Harvey show is ABC not Netflix.

    7. Re:Will this help or hurt? by jellomizer · · Score: 1

      Probably neither.
      How many people will hit the pirate website for an unverified released of a show? It is a case where it is more work then a gain. Just because if you wait a bit it will be broadcast and you can get the real bit. With the ability to do the water cooler talk without FBI knocking at your door.
       

      --
      If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
    8. Re:Will this help or hurt? by FishDawg · · Score: 1

      No idea the relative likelihood of these options, but here's the option they're worried about: 3. If a non-subscriber wants to watch the show, they will go with a free option if available instead of becoming a subscriber.

  3. Alright by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 5, Funny

    Can TDO get off their collective arses and release seasons 2 through 8 of Firefly?

    --
    #DeleteFacebook
    1. Re:Alright by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Can TDO get off their collective arses and release seasons 2 through 8 of Firefly?

      You and a huge chunk of the planet wish.

    2. Re:Alright by Zumbs · · Score: 3, Funny

      That would give me serenity ...

      --
      The truth may be out there, but lies are inside your head
    3. Re:Alright by rogoshen1 · · Score: 2

      Is it better to go out before your time and become a cult classic, or fall to mediocrity to be put down like a lame horse?

    4. Re:Alright by roc97007 · · Score: 1

      Good point, but we would presumably get two or three seasons that weren't lame, before the inevitable fall to mediocrity.

      --
      Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
    5. Re:Alright by LunaticTippy · · Score: 1

      Ask the new battlestar galactica. Or lost. Or happy days.

      wait, that last one gave us the delightful expression, "Jumping the Shark." I used to love that expression before it got on a pair of waterskis and jumped the shark, wearing a leather jacket with a thumbs up.

      --
      Man, you really need that seminar!
    6. Re:Alright by DontBeAMoran · · Score: 2

      ...NOW!

      --
      #DeleteFacebook
    7. Re:Alright by Anyar · · Score: 1

      Shameless (US version), has only kept getting better. In fact, the first few seasons were by far the weakest.

    8. Re:Alright by rogoshen1 · · Score: 1

      seinfeld is about the show to get it right -- qutting at the apex.

  4. Maybe invest something into IT security next time? by gweihir · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I mean, having a large amount of your top trade secrets stolen can only be one thing: The result of extreme incompetence. Sounds very much like some bean-counter felt smart saving a few $100k and now there is a loss some 1000x that as a result. Very low amateur level.

    --
    Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
  5. Steve Harvey? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    ABC probably knows it's a steamer, and is trying to generate some buzz with the "fellow kids".

  6. Maybe, maybe not... by Frosty+Piss · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Nobody wantâ(TM)s to watch Steve Harvey's Funderdome. Nobody. Could it be that this "leak" was actually done by ABC in an attempt to stir up interest? Thereâ(TM)s really no telling if it was "TheDarkOverlord" at all.

    --
    If you want news from today, you have to come back tomorrow.
    1. Re:Maybe, maybe not... by Tailhook · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Even if I wanted to watch Steve Harvey I haven't got the time. The little time I spend watching tee vee is completely booked for the foreseeable future with a deluge on new content; we're in some kind of tvpocalypse with so much new stuff being made it's a full time job to watch all of it. I haven't watched a rerun of anything since 2014. I don't care if some "hacker" "leaks" a couple episodes of Orange is The New Black "season" five because I HAVEN'T EVEN WATCHED THE FIRST FOUR SEASONS yet.

      I just got through Son's of Anarchy and they quit making those 3 years ago. Next will be another walking dead "season", another GOT, another whatever... Fuck do I care what these people are leaking? Like I'm going to install some creepyware pirating crap and go mess around on a pirate bay server and get my IP added to the list of scoflaws..... why would I do that?

      Honestly... what is being accomplished here? Is anything of value being lost by anyone?

      --
      Maw! Fire up the karma burner!
    2. Re:Maybe, maybe not... by lucm · · Score: 1

      I just got through Son's of Anarchy and they quit making those 3 years ago. Next will be another walking dead "season", another GOT, another whatever...

      What about Midsomer Murders? 19 seasons already. A total of 114 episodes of +90 minutes. If you start now, you can be done in a mere week, provided that you watch it 24h a day. Or you coud spend that week watching 12 seasons of Supernatural (264 episodes).

      Or if you prefer old school soaps, why not start General Hospital? 13,768 episodes and counting. That's 10 years of medical drama, full time, and even given the "sparse" plot, it's probably better than Steve Harvey Boringdome.

      --
      lucm, indeed.
    3. Re:Maybe, maybe not... by Nethead · · Score: 1

      Shut up! I'm already over 200 episodes behind on Master Chef Australia.

      --
      -- I have a private email server in my basement.
    4. Re:Maybe, maybe not... by lucm · · Score: 1

      Shut up! I'm already over 200 episodes behind on Master Chef Australia.

      Stop that immediately, and upgrade to Deep-Fried Masters.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

      Quote from that episode:

      When they put my food in their mouth, they gonna slap their own self.
          - Lumpy

      Yes, it has come to that. Drunk rednecks deep-frying stuff on TV. Next step: become the fat people floating in flying chairs like in Wall-e.

      --
      lucm, indeed.
    5. Re:Maybe, maybe not... by Nethead · · Score: 1

      Damn it! Now you have me looking at drones on banggood and Lazy-Boys on Amazon. I'm going to kill myself when this flips and can't reach my drink.

      --
      -- I have a private email server in my basement.
    6. Re:Maybe, maybe not... by Calydor · · Score: 1

      Well, Midsomer Murders started really going down the drain after they replaced the original Barnaby.

      --
      -=This sig has nothing to do with my comment. Move along now=-
  7. Fucking douchebags by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    For asking for money. Either just release it into the wild or shut the fuck up, trying to get payed only shows you are fucking whores.

    1. Re:Fucking douchebags by russotto · · Score: 1

      Agreed. And kudos to ABC for telling the extortionists to stuff it. To reward them, I will not watch the pirated show. (OK, I won't watch it on ABC either, but... details, details).

    2. Re:Fucking douchebags by FlyHelicopters · · Score: 1

      So you work for free? You refuse all paychecks?

  8. Re:Maybe invest something into IT security next ti by Archangel+Michael · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Here's the thing, the bean counters never analyze the risk properly. Because they are incapable of doing data breach risk analysis, since they don't have a firm grip on the value of the data they are being asked to protect.

    To be honest, I am not sure anyone really knows the damage caused by data breaches or accidental losses. My guess is, that they under value the assets and in return, make piss poor assessments on risk.

    In my way of thinking, it is not a matter of if, but when.

    It is always too late to figure out after the fact.

    --
    Agent K: A *person* is smart. People are dumb, stupid, panicky animals, and you know it.
  9. Re:And people that watch are helping blackmailers by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Are you talking about the hackers or hollywood? Both fit in those shoes.

  10. Re:Maybe invest something into IT security next ti by Nethemas+the+Great · · Score: 1

    Bean counter failure or not. The level of incompetency required of their IT guys to not notice a terabyte(s) of data being pulled from their servers, across the DMZ and onto the web is impressive.

    --
    Two of my imaginary friends reproduced once ... with negative results.
  11. revenge by rogoshen1 · · Score: 1

    what really happened is someone from ABC walked into Harvey's dressing room without an appointment.

  12. Re: Maybe invest something into IT security next t by fluffernutter · · Score: 1

    IT guys? This is post-production studio. The IT is probably being done by the guy who gets the coffee.

    --
    Laws are rules for the court, but merely a bottom bar to hit for life. Think beyond laws in your actions always.
  13. Simple economics by itomato · · Score: 1

    They asked for more than the combined total of Steve Harvey's salary and production costs.

  14. Re:Maybe invest something into IT security next ti by roc97007 · · Score: 1

    Or maybe someone re-discovered that you can't outsource content creation without also losing control over the confidentiality of said content.

    --
    Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
  15. Re: Maybe invest something into IT security next t by roc97007 · · Score: 1

    ...or offshore...

    --
    Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
  16. Extorsion CANNOT WORK by DrYak · · Score: 1

    So by watching such released things, you're supporting [failed] extortionists and encouraging them to continue to do this stuff.

    Extorsion with a DRMed online media just can't possibly work.

    All possible scenarios will all end up bringing nearly exact same result :

    Scenario 1 :
    - company pays ransom
    - the pirates happen to be honest (for a certain definition of honest) and do actually destroy their copy.
    (- or more likely: they'll keep their pirated copy only for themselves and not leak it)
    - this copy of the movie / series season doesn't end up online.
    - meanwhile a totally unrelated data breach happens somewhere else, or somebody else finds a new way to break the DRM, or whatever.
    (- this done by a completely different and independent team of pirates)
    - by random chance this leak also contains the same movie or season.
    - that other group ends up putting it online (if the company is lucky, this might happen *after* the movie/series premiere).

    End result :
    - company lost $ransom
    - media is leaked online a little bit later

    Scenario 2:
    - company doesn't pay ransom.
    - pirate remain true to their words and do release media online.

    End result :
    - media is leaked too, a bit faster
    - company at least didn't lose ransom-money.

    No matter what, the movie/series *WILL* end up online.
    Like every single other movie/series has been for the past decade.
    Very few exceptions.
    The company paying or not won't change much, maybe delay the online release until another team does it, and it will essentially just cost money for not much.

    Thus, the companies have absolutely ZERO incentive to pay ransom.
    No matter what, their movie/series will end up online. So at least it makes sense to save the money and the trouble.

    --

    Ransom with movie and series, would be like asking a ransom to avoid speeding : it's pointless.
    There are a lot of people speeding. Even if one driver gets paid and does actually follow his words, there will be tons of other speeders out there and the police can't manage to catch them all.

    --
    "Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
  17. You can't ransom Netflix or Cable TV by GameboyRMH · · Score: 1

    Netflix and cable subscribers are now, almost by definition, people who are too lazy/wealthy/unskilled to pirate things, and they're not going to drop their subscription because they could see one show early for free. Holding a blockbuster movie for ransom, on the other hand, would make a lot of sense.

    --
    "When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
  18. Re:Maybe invest something into IT security next ti by gweihir · · Score: 1

    You seem to have missed that a lot more than this was stolen.

    --
    Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
  19. Re:Maybe invest something into IT security next ti by gweihir · · Score: 1

    Oops, answered to the wrong posting. Sorry.

    --
    Most ACs are not even worth the keystrokes to insult them. Be generically insulted by this and ignored otherwise.
  20. Hahaha by Dunbal · · Score: 1

    "The Dark Overlord" don't seem to be having much luck with their business model.

    --
    Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
  21. Dear TDO: by willoughby · · Score: 1

    In addition to releasing these shows on TPB, could you also wedge them into Amazon Prime Video so I can watch them? Cause if not, I just don't have the time.

    kthanksbye

  22. Re:Maybe invest something into IT security next ti by LunaticTippy · · Score: 1

    You seem to underestimate how much incompetency there is on this wonderful planet. Listen, there is infinite incompetency!

    I'll bet whoever was in charge of their security had a similar attitude. Probably arrogant too.

    --
    Man, you really need that seminar!
  23. Re:Interesting test... by boudie2 · · Score: 1

    Right now there are 21 seeders and 33 leeches. Am guessing half of those think they're downloading Thunderdome. Kind of embarrassing.

  24. Not taking any chances by PopeRatzo · · Score: 3, Funny

    Even the remote possibility of accidentally downloading eight episodes of a new Steve Harvey show is enough to keep me off Pirate Bay for the rest of my life.

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  25. Re:Maybe invest something into IT security next ti by CaptainDork · · Score: 1

    cc: NSA, CIA

    --
    It little behooves the best of us to comment on the rest of us.
  26. Re:Maybe invest something into IT security next ti by roc97007 · · Score: 1

    's ok. I've done that. There should be a way to delete one's own postings.

    --
    Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
  27. Freedom? by lucm · · Score: 1

    Remember the "Muslims from these countries can't come into the USA" that was smacked down by judges multiple times? I'd call those all 'attacks on freedom.'

    Entering the country is not a right, it's a privilege. If you don't see the difference, you're a perfect example of bias by ignorance.

    And the executive order was for a temporary ban while national security could review the situation. Given the high number of terrorist attacks in the last few months in Europe, I would have assumed that anyone could tell that being careful with who you let enter your country is a good idea, but apparently hating Trump is higher in your priorities than not having your children massacred by terrorists.

    --
    lucm, indeed.
  28. You are assuming there IS loss? by Chozabu · · Score: 1

    not only are you assuming there is loss, but ~$100m? This is the kind of thing a smart company would pull of as a publicity stunt to triple their audience. Perhaps ABC just lucked out, and was saved from this show being a flop.

  29. Oh. No. by jpbelang · · Score: 1

    They've released a Steve Harvey show into the wild. The internet will come crashing down because of all that extra downloading.

    --
    JP http://www.wearerite.com
  30. Nope, don't care by p51d007 · · Score: 1

    None of the shows "leaked" for me anyway, aren't worth the time or risk to download and watch.