Head First

Head First is an Australian television series that aired on the ABC in 2013, a deft mix of investigative journalism and gripping docu-drama that takes viewers on a guided tour into the extraordinary world of long-form reportage, as seen through the keen eyes of its adventurous host, Sabour Bradley.

At the very core of the series' premise is an undeniable rush of adrenaline — Bradley immerses himself into his stories, head first, literally and figuratively, tackling some of the most perplexing socio-cultural phenomena and happenings around the world, thus ensuring riveting episodic content that is bound to keep viewers on the edges of their seats.

The series commences with Bradley’s exploration of the cosmetic surgery industry. It sets a pattern for the exciting and courageous lengths Bradley would go in the search for truth and understanding. Every episode escalates, and Bradley's dedication to getting under the skin, so to speak, of every story he investigates, is relentless, often putting him in uncomfortable situations so that he can unravel the often-hidden nature of some of society's darkest corners.

Bradley does an exceptional job throughout the series in engaging with the subject matter; whether he is living with a young Afghan asylum seeker attempting to navigate Australia's immigration process, or delving into the underworld of the online black market where drugs and firearms are just a click away, he handles and presents each subject with outstanding authenticity. Thus, Head First dissects and presents poignant commentary, laced with empathy, on contemporary socio-cultural issues, sometimes controversial but always enlightening.

The uniqueness of Head First can largely be credited to the visually appealing storytelling, the depth of its investigations, and its conversational approach to shedding lights on these serious matters. It blends documentary-style investigation with elements of reality television. This combination provides Bradley with a balanced platform from which to explore a range of emotive and thought-provoking topics - one moment he might be considering the implications of new technologies on society, or examining Australia's criminal justice system, the next, he could be navigating his way through the tense world of home-birthing.

You'd conclude from watching Head First that it is not just a documentary series, but a platform that resonates and connects with its audience, deconstructing complexities in a natural, easy-to-understand way. Shot and edited with great precision, it provides a gratifying experience to the viewers who can appreciate good quality journalism, presented in an authentic, and sometimes quirky, manner.

The series aims to inform and educate, and it does so efficiently and effectively without overshadowing the attendant duty to entertain - a tightrope that Head First walks with utmost finesse thanks to Bradley's capacitive reporting approach filled with exhuberance, dedication, and humor, creating a seamless balance between solemnity and amusement.

Moreover, Bradley's warm personality and chameleonic ability to immerse himself into any situation settings him apart as a host; he shines in situations that many people would find uncomfortable or intimidating, demonstrating an ability to connect with people from all walks of life, which gives the show an added depth and soulful connection to the audience.

In ending, Head First is a compelling yet entertaining unraveling of critical socio-cultural issues, a heady mix of in-depth investigation, warm humour, and Bradley's uncanny knack of going to any lengths necessary to explore the truth. Consequently, Bradley reveals the human side to many stories leading to an often-unexpected personal connection to the stories that the audience might not initially expect, increasing the impact and resonance of each episode. With a style that is bold, sensitive, and insightful, Head First represents investigative journalism at its most adventurous and will certainly leave you looking for more.