We have all heard of Vice, the contemporary news outlet focused on arts, culture, and current global news topics. Vice always seems to supply the content that people want to see but other outlets won’t produce, like an exposé on drag queens in the West Bank or a video showing 13 ways to roll a joint. Just recently, I discovered that Vice was now a TV channel. In the past two weeks, I have halted my Scandal binge-athon and watched countless episodes of all the goodness that Viceland has to offer. I think it is only fair that I share with you all some of the best shows on Viceland so that we can all binge together.
States of Undress
American model, actress, and journalist Hailey Gates travels around the world examining beauty standards and issues of the fashion industry in countries that one doesn’t really consider when thinking about fashion. In countries including China, Palestine, Pakistan, and Venezuela, she gets up close and personal with local fashion designers while diving into why these countries often fall short of human rights standards. Hard hitting journalism regarding a form of expression not often considered “political”: 10/10
Bong Appétit
Abdullah Saeed and his friends seek to experiment with and destigmatize the use of marijuana by throwing elaborate dinner parties prepared by renowned chefs with multi-course cannabis infused meals. This out-of-the-box cooking show combines entertainment with education by describing the positive health effects of marijuana use while Saeed and his friends crack jokes and get stoned. 10/10 would definitely recommend.
Gaycation
In 2014, American actress Ellen Page, star of “Juno”, came out at a Human Rights Campaign conference in Las Vegas. Now, she and her friend Ian Daniel have started a journey to explore LGBTQ cultures around the world. So far, their journey has taken them to Japan, Jamaica, Brazil, France, India, Ukraine, and of course, the USA. The show is full of tender moments in which we get to see Queer people both young and old celebrating their identities and serving as a positive influence in their communities. In turn, there are also plenty of examples of the heartache and suffering LGBTQ people around the world must face. All around an important show for anyone to watch: 10/10
Hate Thy Neighbor
Comedian Jamali Maddix confronts far right groups in various countries to try and figure out why they feel compelled to spread their messages of hate. From Neo-Nazis in America to militant anti-assimilation groups in Israel, Maddix experiences first hand the thought processes of these organizations and often pushes himself way past his (and the audience’s) comfort zone in order to fully understand their intent. While he may share his findings using comedy, he successfully expresses how these groups should be taken seriously because of their potential to put action to their beliefs. Full of danger and snarky humor, this also gets a 10/10.
If you get tired of binge watching political dramas and sitcoms on Netflix, check out these shows and gain information while being entertained. There are plenty more amazing shows other than these available on Viceland’s website. Just sign in with your cable service provider and start watching!
