Dying to Be Wrong: The Price of COVID Misinformation

Health & Fitness
Documentary
Science

COVID-19
NBC
Misinformation

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t only taken lives; it’s divided our country. Neighbors have turned on each other, family members have stopped speaking with one another, and many are left asking how it got to this point? The answers may be found in the small Texas city of San Angelo, Texas. In September 2021, it gained the unwanted distinction of being the fastest-growing city in the state for new COVID-19 cases. It’s also become a battleground for the politics of the pandemic.

Dying to be Wrong is an NBCLX mini-documentary series premiering on Oct. 18th examining an America divided by COVID-19. NBCLX Storyteller Cody Broadway goes back to his hometown to explore an America divided by COVID-19, capturing the stories of the people whose lives have been forever changed by the pandemic. From those who say they choose to live their life by faith over fear to the local medical officials facing severe burnout to the families pleading with people to get vaccinated and wear a mask, Dying To Be Wrong asks what’s the ultimate price paid for COVID misinformation.

Cody Broadway introduces Dying to Be Wrong: The Price of COVID Misinformation

What’s the ultimate price paid for COVID misinformation? NBCLX Storyteller Cody Broadway goes back to his hometown of San Angelo, a small Texas city that gained the unwanted distinction of being the fastest-growing city in the state for new COVID-19 cases, to explore an America divided by COVID-19.

Personal Responsibility

What does it mean to take responsibility for yourself, your family and your community? How does that change when faced with a deadly threat you can’t see but you can spread? For the residents of San Angelo, Texas, defining personal responsibility can mean the difference between life and death. On one side, Caleb Wallace who believes public health is taking away his freedoms. While the family of Zach Shutterfield, seriously burned in an arson fire and at severe risk of COVID, can only hope their neighbors do the right thing.

From Heroes to Enemies

In September 2021, San Angelo was considered the fastest growing Texas city for COVID-19 cases. How did we get here? In Episode 2 of “Dying to Be Wrong,” NBCLX storyteller Cody Broadway looks back at the past 18 months in San Angelo — which started with parking lot prayers for healthcare heroes and ended with accusations and hostility toward local health officials.

Faith, Family and Funerals

“Faith over fear” is a common expression among residents in San Angelo, which was considered the fastest growing Texas city for COVID-19 cases in September 2021. In episode 3 of “Dying to Be Wrong,” NBCLX storyteller Cody Broadway tells stories of faith and fear – from a vaccinated preacher’s death to the stress funeral homes and priests have suffered after a rise in cases.

The Toll of COVID-19

“I saw it on social media” is a statement often heard by community leaders trying to fight the pandemic. In episode 4 of “Dying to Be Wrong,” the final installment of a four-part mini-documentary series, NBCLX storyteller Cody Broadway explores how social media changed how some residents perceived medical advice and the divide it created among the close-knit community of San Angelo, recently the fastest growing Texas city for COVID-19 cases.