It’s an epidemic of huge proportions. As a nation, over 44 million Americans collectively owe a whopping $1.5 trillion in federal student loan debt, a number that grows each year and is second only to mortgage debt in America. Upon graduation, those entering the professional world face mounds of bills, a shrinking pool of employment opportunities, a lack of financial skills and a constant, crippling weight of oppression keeping them from reaching for their dreams.

Tackling this issue head on is a new Crackle Original, Going From Broke, a new series from executive producer Ashton Kutcher, Matador Content and Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, launching Thursday, October 17th exclusively on the free streaming service. Leading the charge to support millennials in overcoming their crippling financial struggles is host Dan Rosensweig, Chegg CEO, and financial expert Danetha Doe who go one on one with young people living in pricey Los Angeles, what they thought would be The City of Dreams, to change their habits, gain financial confidence and become CEO of their own lives. Although they all come from different backgrounds and circumstances, each of the participants have one thing in common-- extreme debt.

Rosensweig and Doe challenge millennials to address everything from savings and spending to taxes, bills, co-loans and more. Ultimately, each of the subjects are given “homework,” tailored next steps meant to be tackled within a specific and timely window. It’s not comfortable, it’s not easy, but it’s necessary if they want financial stability. Throughout each of the 10 half-hours, viewers also get valuable insights and advice from several leading and trusted experts including award-winning personal finance journalist Jean Chatzky and Farnoosh Tarobi, bestselling author and podcast reporter.

Each installment is both relevant and relatable. For example:

• ● Obi Nwankwo, a former college track star who has a degree in finance and runs his own company. Between his student loans and extravagant living expenses, he’s continued to fall farther behind on his bills, even as his business grows.
• ● Max & Megan Foster, a married couple with two young children and debt that is putting a strain on both their pocketbook and their marriage. Both currently unemployed, they’re having trouble keeping from going under.
• ● Miracle McKinney, who chose to pursue her dreams of playing the violin professionally. Without a high-paying job, she’s confronted with massive college debt and no way to get ahead.

William J. Rouhana Jr., Chairman and CEO, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, comments: “We couldn’t be more pleased to be partnering with Ashton on a project that addresses such a serious issue in our country. This Crackle original series, ‘Going From Broke’, isn’t just entertainment; it also provides real tools and takeaway for viewers. We’re excited to premiere the series on Crackle since it’s a completely free, ad-supported platform available to stream on any device. It’s the perfect place to reach viewers who may also be saddled with debt and watching every dime they have. It’s the right message on the right platform at the right time.”

“The student debt crisis in America is devasting to young people and their families,” adds Rosensweig. “We need real solutions, in real time, to end the vicious cycle of debt and get hardworking young people on the road to financial freedom. My hope is that the stories in this show shine a light on the crippling impact debt and financial instability has on our kids, our future workforce, and our economy.”

“Going From Broke” is executive produced by Ashton Kutcher, William J. Rouhana Jr. and Michael Winter for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. For Matador Content Todd Lubin, Jay Peterson, Joel Relampagos and Jerry Carita also serve as executive producers.

Crackle is available on all top streaming platforms, connected TVs, game consoles, Crackle mobile apps (IOs, Android) and at Crackle.com. Follow #GoingFromBroke on Crackle's Facebook and Twitter pages. Visit goingfrombroke.com for more information about the show.