A new scripted audio series written and created by Stephen Kronish and starring actors Michael Imperioli, Steve Schirripa and Ray Abruzzo premieres Tuesday, September 1

NEW YORK — August 24, 2026 — iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, Thoroughbred Studios and Goldhawk Productions today announced the launch of “UnderGround Zero: 9/11 & The Mob | Starring Michael Imperioli & Steve Schirripa,” a powerful new scripted drama podcast that tells the untold story of how the New York Mafia made millions in the aftermath of the fall of the Twin Towers on 9/11.

Written and created by Stephen Kronish (The Kennedys, 24), it stars four of the cast of “The Sopranos.” Led and executive produced by Michael Imperioli and featuring Steve Schirripa, Ray Abruzzo and Arthur Nascarella. “UnderGround Zero” is the third title to be released from the Thoroughbred Studios and iHeartPodcasts slate of historical shows, focused on significant events and figures that have shaped the past century. Listen to the trailer for “UnderGround Zero” now.

Premiering on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 with all episodes available, the series will take listeners back exactly 25 years to September 11, 2001. While 3,000 families mourned their loved ones and the world grieved with them, five crime families saw a twisted opportunity to profit – “UnderGround Zero” tells this story.

Less than two hours after the Twin Towers collapsed on 9/11, fire-fighters, police officers and rescue workers battled flames, explosions, choking dust – and a city in chaos – to save the living and remove the dead. Across the East River, in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, an emergency meeting was underway. The men gathered there were powerful, polished and well connected. Like the rest of America, they were shocked by the destruction, furious at the attack and moved by the suffering of its victims. 

But they were not like the rest of America. They saw a nefarious opportunity and turned catastrophe into an enormous windfall. Their scheme might have succeeded on an even greater scale were it not for one dedicated and courageous cop. Because of him, many of the men involved were ultimately convicted and imprisoned. 

Based on real events, “UnderGround Zero” will reveal a shocking true story born in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 – one that has never been told. Names of the guilty have been changed to protect the innocent and certain events have been dramatized, but the story at the heart of “UnderGround Zero” is true. 

“UnderGround Zero” is the personal story of two men, each doing their jobs, whose lives are irrevocably changed as they confront their past – and each other.

“As a New Yorker who lived through 9/11, this story resonated with me immediately,” said Executive Producer Michael Imperioli. “UnderGround Zero is rooted in crime and investigation, but ultimately, it’s a story about family, loyalty and survival. I’m excited to step into the role of Lt. Frank Sturiano."

“Like Michael, it was a story I thought I knew, but I didn’t,” said Steve Schirripa. “Working again with my former Soprano castmates Ray Abruzzo and Arthur Nascarella is always a pleasure, and being given the opportunity to help bring to light this horrific event was very worthwhile."

“UnderGround Zero” is part of iHeartPodcasts’ ongoing collaboration with Thoroughbred Studios, a joint venture from Jeff Bewkes (former Chairman and CEO of Time Warner), Sir Howard Stringer (former Chairman and CEO of Sony Corporation) and television veteran, Jeremy Fox. Building on series including “Buzz” and “Saigon,” the partnership focuses on developing premium drama podcasts that explore defining moments and untold stories from the past century, bringing cinematic storytelling to some of the most consequential events in modern history.

Jeff Bewkes, Chairman of Thoroughbred Studios said: “One of the first things I did when I became Head of HBO was to greenlight ‘The Sopranos.’ It’s a decision I’ve never regretted. Now, 25 years later to tell this important story, it was the perfect opportunity to bring back that amazing cast.”  

“‘Underground Zero’ resonates deeply with me because it brings back powerful memories,” said Sir Howard Stringer, Executive Producer. “This was when I was at CBS and we made ‘Essay on the Mafia’ with Nic Pileggi who went on to write both ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘Casino.’”

“Recording ‘UnderGround Zero’ in the city itself was essential to capturing the story’s pulse,” added John Scott Dryden, Director.  “Working with a cast of almost entirely New Yorkers – many of whom experienced that fateful day firsthand – gave the drama an authenticity that could never be manufactured. The city doesn’t simply provide a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right.”

“Great storytelling has the power to transport listeners and bring history to life in a deeply personal way,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “‘UnderGround Zero’ is exactly the kind of premium storytelling we’re proud to bring to our audiences, and to really allow listeners to fully immerse themselves in this story, we will release all the episodes in one day.”

“UnderGround Zero: 9/11 & The Mob | Starring Michael Imperioli & Steve Schirripa” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available September 1 on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.