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| VICE on HBO | |
|---|---|
| Show name | VICE on HBO |
| Genre | Newsmagazine, Documentary |
| Presenter | Shane Smith |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Producer | VICE Media |
| Network | HBO |
| First aired | 2013 |
| Last aired | 2019 |
VICE on HBO VICE on HBO was an American television newsmagazine and documentary series produced by VICE Media and broadcast on HBO. The series paired immersive field reporting with long-form documentary segments covering international affairs, conflict zones, cultural phenomena, and investigative journalism. Its approach blended elements of gonzo reporting, documentary filmmaking, and traditional news features, bringing correspondents into proximity with figures and events across the globe.
VICE on HBO originated from VICE Media's expansion from a print magazine and online platform into television and film production, following the company's work with VICE News and VICE Films. The series featured correspondents and producers such as Shane Smith, Suroosh Alvi, and Gavin McInnes in early formats, later including journalists and filmmakers who reported from locations like Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Mexico, and Haiti. Episodes explored subjects ranging from insurgencies and organized crime to subcultures in cities such as Tokyo, New York City, Los Angeles, and London. The program often intersected with contemporary events, including the Syrian Civil War, the Iraq War (2013–2017), the Russian annexation of Crimea, and the Arab Spring aftermath.
VICE on HBO episodes were produced by VICE Media in collaboration with HBO Documentary Films, combining short-form segments and extended reports typically 30 to 60 minutes in length. The production style emphasized hand-held cinematography, on-camera reporter narration, and first-person interviews with participants, including politicians, insurgents, activists, and cultural figures from institutions like Interpol, Human Rights Watch, and regional bodies such as the European Union and the African Union. The series worked with local fixers and freelancers, and production often required negotiation with entities such as the United Nations and national ministries in countries including Pakistan, Nigeria, Colombia, and Venezuela. Editorial processes involved legal review at HBO and collaboration with news bureaus and documentary units tied to outlets like Vice News Tonight, The New York Times (in coverage overlap), and independent documentary festivals such as Sundance Film Festival.
VICE on HBO premiered in 2013 and ran for multiple seasons, expanding its episode count and scope as VICE Media scaled. Notable episode locations included coverage of events in Egypt following the 2011 Egyptian revolution, reporting from the Democratic Republic of the Congo during humanitarian crises, and segments on the Ferguson unrest in the United States. The series aired on HBO and was later available through HBO’s digital platforms alongside VICE Media's own online channels. Special episodes and multi-part investigations appeared as standalone documentaries and were screened at festivals such as the Tribeca Film Festival and True/False Film Festival.
VICE on HBO produced several high-profile reports that influenced public discussion and policy debates. Reports from conflict zones highlighted actions by groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and local militias, while domestic pieces examined topics such as the opioid crisis in Ohio, the politics of policing in Missouri, and immigration issues at the U.S.–Mexico border. Investigative segments delved into corporate practices involving multinational firms and supply chains linked to regions such as Southeast Asia, Central America, and the Gulf of Mexico. The series' visibility generated responses from governmental actors including the Department of State, national legislatures, and human rights organizations such as Amnesty International.
Critical reception was mixed: some reviewers praised the show's cinematic reporting and attention to under-covered stories, citing comparisons to long-form documentary traditions represented by programs on PBS and broadcasters like the BBC. Critics, however, raised concerns about editorial standards, reporter safety, and ethical considerations when interacting with subjects like criminal organizations or combatants. Controversies involved disputes over contextualization of footage, sourcing standards, and the line between advocacy and reporting, with commentary from outlets such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Columbia Journalism Review.
VICE on HBO and associated VICE Media productions received industry recognition, including nominations and awards from institutions such as the Peabody Awards, the News & Documentary Emmy Awards, and festival honors at Sundance and Tribeca. Individual episodes and journalists from the series were cited in awards lists alongside documentaries by filmmakers linked to Frontline, 60 Minutes, and independent producers recognized by the International Documentary Association.
While produced in the United States, the series' reports were syndicated, licensed, or adapted for international broadcasters and platforms, appearing on networks and services in regions served by Sky News, Channel 4 (UK), and streaming platforms with ties to companies like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video in certain territories. VICE Media expanded globally with bureaus in cities such as Toronto, Berlin, Sydney, Mumbai, Mexico City, Beijing, and Johannesburg, enabling cross-border reporting and collaborations with media partners including VICE News Europe and regional documentary festivals. The show's international footprint intersected with global media discussions involving entities like the European Broadcasting Union and multinational content distributors.
Category:Documentary television series