Capone's Vault to Be Reopened 40 Years After Infamous TV Broadcast

Bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove to host live reveal of the long-sealed vault on the anniversary of the original 1986 broadcast.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:13am

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Forty years after the infamous opening of Al Capone's vault was broadcast live on television, sparking widespread ridicule and debate, the event is set to be recreated in Chicago. Bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove, whose new book 'Capone's Vault' examines the behind-the-scenes drama, will host the live reveal on April 21, 2026 - the 40th anniversary of the original broadcast. The event aims to revisit the suspense, spectacle, and unpredictability that defined the original, which is now seen as a turning point that paved the way for modern reality TV and live-event programming.

Why it matters

The 1986 broadcast of the opening of Al Capone's vault, hosted by Geraldo Rivera, was widely labeled 'the biggest disaster in television history' when the vault turned out to be nearly empty. However, the event is now recognized as a pivotal moment that changed television forever, proving audiences would tune in for the ride even without a big payoff. The upcoming recreation aims to reflect on that legacy and the enduring appeal of live, unpredictable television events.

The details

The April 21, 2026 event in Chicago will feature a live, on-location opening of an actual vault, designed as a fully visual, media-ready experience. It will include the physical vault/safe being opened live on-site, a real-time reveal for broadcast cameras, and interview opportunities before, during, and after the event. The event is being staged as a modern reflection on one of television's most infamous moments.

  • The original broadcast of the opening of Al Capone's vault aired on April 21, 1986.
  • The 40th anniversary recreation will take place on April 21, 2026.

The players

William Elliott Hazelgrove

A national bestselling author whose new book 'Capone's Vault' examines the behind-the-scenes drama and cultural impact of the original 1986 broadcast. He will be hosting the live vault reveal event in Chicago.

Geraldo Rivera

The host of the original 1986 live television special that drew an estimated 30 million viewers as cameras rolled in anticipation of uncovering hidden treasures inside Al Capone's long-sealed vault.

Al Capone

The notorious Chicago mob boss whose long-sealed vault was the focus of the 1986 television broadcast and the upcoming 40th anniversary recreation.

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What they’re saying

“People called it a disaster because nothing was found. But in reality, it changed television forever. It proved audiences would show up for the ride—even if there was no payoff. I'll be opening an actual vault and there will be something in there this time.”

— William Elliott Hazelgrove, Author

“What happened that night is the blueprint for what we watch today. The suspense, the anticipation, the live reveal—that's reality TV. That's event television. It all starts here.”

— William Elliott Hazelgrove, Author

What’s next

The upcoming recreation in Chicago on April 21, 2026 will be a fully visual, media-ready experience, including a live, on-location opening of an actual vault, a real-time reveal designed for broadcast cameras, and interview opportunities before, during, and after the event.

The takeaway

The 1986 broadcast of the opening of Al Capone's vault, despite being widely labeled a 'disaster,' is now recognized as a pivotal moment that changed television forever, paving the way for modern reality TV and live-event programming. The upcoming 40th anniversary recreation aims to reflect on that legacy and the enduring appeal of live, unpredictable television events.