What promises to be a no-holds-barred look into the modern world of franchising airs this Wednesday night (December 15) at 9:00 pm eastern on CNBC.

The much-anticipated documentary includes:

(i) A behind-the-scenes look at Five Guys Burger and Fries, a rapidly growing franchise that wasn’t supposed to be a franchise at all.

(ii) A look at why Procter & Gamble–the world’s largest consumer-products company–is developing two franchise programs for very competitive service industries (dry cleaning and car washes).

(iii) A look at the dark side of the franchising business showing how chasing the American Dream can turn into your worst nightmare.

All those thinking of franchising an existing business, or potential franchisees looking to go into business for themselves but in search of an existing business model and brand to hopefully hedge some of the usual risks of starting a new business, would be well advised to check out this program.  Look for my review of the documentary later this week.