Watch VICE Does America

VICE Does America is a documentary-style television show that aired from April to June in 2016 on the Vice Media-owned TV channel Viceland. The show's hosts are Abdullah Saeed, Wilbert L. Cooper, and Martina de Alba, and it follows them as they travel across the United States to explore different aspects of American culture, politics, and society.

Each episode of VICE Does America is dedicated to a specific topic or theme, ranging from drug-related issues in Indiana to the gun culture in Arizona. The three hosts bring a unique perspective to each topic, combining their personal experiences, opinions, and backgrounds with interviews, archival footage, and field reporting.

One of the show's strengths is its ability to highlight different communities and subcultures that are often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream media. For example, in the episode "The Porno Western," Saeed and Cooper travel to the set of a pornographic film in the San Fernando Valley to explore the inner workings and ethical dilemmas of the adult film industry. In "The Madness of Marijuana Prohibition," the hosts visit Indiana to investigate the state's controversial anti-drug laws and interview activists, law enforcement officials, and drug users.

Another notable feature of VICE Does America is its blend of humor, seriousness, and empathy. The hosts use their wit and charm to engage with their subjects and break down complex issues in a relatable way, while also showing sensitivity and respect towards individuals and communities that may have been stigmatized or marginalized. For instance, in the episode "The Heroin Triangle," de Alba explores the heroin epidemic in New Hampshire and speaks with families affected by addiction, while also humanizing the struggles of both users and dealers.

The show's production values are also noteworthy, as it employs a mix of cinematic and documentary techniques to capture the diversity and vitality of America. Each episode has a distinct visual style that reflects its subject matter, such as the use of slo-mo shots and psychedelic graphics in "The Party Over Here" episode, which explores the EDM scene in Las Vegas.

Overall, VICE Does America is a compelling and entertaining series that offers a fresh perspective on some of the most pressing issues facing the United States today. Its hosts are a dynamic trio who bring energy, intelligence, and curiosity to every episode, and its storytelling is both informative and engaging. Despite only lasting for one season, the show has left a lasting impact on audiences and helped to redefine the boundaries of what documentary television can achieve.

VICE Does America is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between July 6, 2016 and on Viceland