Watch Asia's Underworld

Asia's Underworld is a travel and crime documentary show that premiered in 2013 and ran for only one season, ending in 2014. The show is hosted by John Beach and produced by Yuyu, who also produced other popular true-crime documentaries such as "The Confession Tapes" and "I Am A Killer."

Throughout the series, John Beach travels to Asia to explore the criminal underworld that exists in various parts of the continent. He investigates how organized crime syndicates operate and how they have evolved over time. As the show progresses, viewers are taken deeper into the world of Asian crime, getting an insight into the different criminal networks, from the Yakuza in Japan to the Triads in China, and understanding the implications of these powerful organizations.

In each episode, Beach visits a different location, from Tokyo to Manila, Hong Kong to Bangkok. He interviews experts, law enforcement officials, former criminals, and victims of crime to gather information about the criminal activities in that area. He also shares his own personal experiences and his impressions of the different places he visits, showing viewers some of the more unusual aspects of each location, places that the regular tourist is unlikely to see.

The show aims to explore the ways in which organized crime and politics intersect in Asian countries. At times, the show is quite hard-hitting, with sequences that are not for the faint-hearted, such as the interviews with former Yakuza members detailing their experiences of cutting off fingers, or the visit to Manila where viewers see the squalid conditions of people living in slums under the reign of powerful crime syndicates.

Despite the focus on the darker side of the continent, the show has its lighter moments. Beach's down-to-earth personality adds a personal touch to the show, and his interactions with locals and the criminals he meets often provide an entertaining and humorous insight into the lives of the people he encounters.

Overall, Asia's Underworld is a fascinating exploration of the criminal underworld of Asia. It shines a light on the power struggles and violence between different groups and the complicated relationship between criminals, politicians, and law enforcement officers. The show is informative, entertaining and provides an eye-opening glimpse into the world of organized crime in Asia, without glamorizing it or making it seem normal.

Despite airing only one season, Asia's Underworld was well received by critics and viewers alike. It was praised for its thorough research and the way it presented complex issues in an understandable manner. The show has since become a cult classic and is recommended for those who have an interest in true crime documentaries, travel, and culture.