HBO’s latest true crime docuseries, The Mortician, delves into the unsettling story of David Sconce and the Lamb Funeral Home in Pasadena, California. Directed by Joshua Rofé, this three-part series examines how Sconce’s unethical practices in the 1980s not only shocked the nation but also prompted significant changes in the funeral industry. Through interviews with Sconce, his ex-wife, former employees, law enforcement, and journalists, the series provides a comprehensive look at the scandal and its lasting impact.
What Is ‘The Mortician’ About?
The Mortician centers on David Sconce, who took over his family’s funeral home in the early 1980s and transformed it into a profit-driven operation marred by unethical and inhumane practices. Offering cremations at just $55, Sconce’s business saw a staggering increase from under 200 cremations in 1981 to over 25,000 in five years—a 12,860% rise. This was achieved through grotesque methods, including mass cremations in ceramics kilns, theft and sale of corpses’ jewelry, dental fillings, and organs, delivering fake ashes, and even conspiracy to harm competitors. The series not only examines Sconce’s deceitful actions but also sheds light on the broader mortuary industry, highlighting systemic issues and prompting discussions about ethical practices in mortuary services.
Where to Watch ‘The Mortician’?
The Mortician premiered on HBO and its streaming platform, Max, on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET. The three-part series releases one episode per week over three weeks. Viewers can watch via HBO cable or by subscribing to Max, with multiple streaming options including Prime Video and Sling TV, some of which offer promotional discounts. In India, the series is available on JioHotstar starting June 2.
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The True Story Behind ‘The Mortician’
David Sconce’s operation raised suspicions among Pasadena-area funeral home directors due to the unusually high number of cremations he conducted at significantly lower prices. Investigations revealed that Sconce’s team would cremate multiple bodies at a time, breaking bones to fit as many as possible into the oven. The operation moved to the California desert, where production ramped up to cremating 150-200 bodies at a time. A neighbor, a World War II veteran, reported the smell of burning flesh, leading to the discovery of Sconce’s illegal activities. In 1989, Sconce pled guilty to mishandling human remains and mining corpses’ teeth for gold fillings, serving a couple of years in prison. He was later sentenced to 25 years to life in 2013 for violating his lifetime probation and was released on parole in 2023.
Director Joshua Rofé’s Perspective
Director Joshua Rofé, known for his work on Sasquatch and Lorena, brings a meticulous approach to The Mortician. In interviews, Rofé expressed his shock at the details uncovered during the making of the series, stating, “If you [are] shocked watching, do understand that I was shocked having it said to me in person.” He emphasizes that while Sconce’s actions were exceptionally malicious, they led to significant reforms in the funeral industry, including laws that allowed for crematorium inspections and made it a felony to furtively take dental gold or silver from corpses.
