The Vice Guide to Everything

The Vice Guide to Everything, an engaging and thought-provoking documentary television series that originally aired on MTV in 2010, sought to delve into the enigmatic, unconventional and often untold stories that shape our complex world. The show, a pioneering production of Vice Media, spilled the beans on several obscure tales from the farthest corners of the globe, painting a vivid panorama of human culture in all its multifaceted and bewilderingly complicated glory.

The show, unflinching in the face of taboo, controversial, and often dangerous topics, presented unique textures of human stories that mainstream media often overlooked. It was host-driven, with Vice journalists venturing into uncharted territories, investigating new cultures, controversial issues, and often life-threatening situations. This series was groundbreaking for its time due to its raw, uncensored approach towards documentary storytelling.

Rooted in investigative journalism, The Vice Guide to Everything took viewers on a transcontinental journey that spanned from the slums of Lagos in Nigeria to the icy landscapes of Siberia, and from the danger-infested bullet factories of Pakistan to the shadowy underworld of Tokyo. Over the course of eight episodes, it explored diverse subjects like illegal activities, conflict zones, subcultures, and underground economies in a mix of travelogue, gonzo journalism and energetic storytelling style that quickly became synonymous with Vice's brand of journalism.

In each episode, the guide covered multiple stories within a 30-minute timeframe, ensuring a brisk pacing and variety of content that kept audiences glued to their screens. The show was designed not just for entertainment, but also to enlighten, awaken and challenge viewers, making them question their own preconceived notions and assumptions. It excelled in bringing to the forefront the perspectives and experiences relevant to younger audiences, in line with MTV’s demographic.

Central to The Vice Guide to Everything was its bold exploration of controversial and potentially perilous environments. The hosts – Vice co-founder Shane Smith, and correspondents Ryan Duffy, Thomas Morton, and others – were nothing short of daring as they put themselves in harm's way to approach their stories. Shot largely handheld, with an immersive and urgent tone, the series vividly exposed viewers to the stark realities of the world, breaking down geographical barriers, and connecting cultures through storytelling.

The series stood away from the stereotypical notions of journalism and depicted the niche, the odd, and even the dangerous, not just in terms of geographical locations, but also regarding the abstract conception of ideas, beliefs, and human experiences. It dealt with themes such as drug cartels, emerging music genres in hostile places, human trafficking, religion, conflict, and culture, offering fresh assessments of historical events and dissecting current geopolitical issues.

At times gritty and brash, The Vice Guide to Everything nevertheless embodied the spirit of fearless journalism, drawing attention to stories that lay on the fringes of mainstream discourse. It was applauded by viewers for its authenticity, rawness, and gripping storytelling. Critics praised it for its daring ethos and hyper-immersive journalistic style that dared to venture where traditional media shied away from.

Through its run, the series fundamentally sought to defy the convention, break stereotypes, and display narratives that went beyond the expected norm. It tackled complicated subjects in a manner that respected the audience's intelligence while unapologetically dissecting the complexity of modern society. Despite the potentially grim subject matter, the show maintained a distinctive humor and irreverence in its narration, ensuring a unique, captivating watch for audiences.

All in all, The Vice Guide to Everything was a seminal exploration of real-life stories and experiences, resonating with viewers seeking unconventional content and narratives. The show truly carried the torch of "immersionism" popularized by Vice and positioned itself as an uncompromising mirror to society through its hard-hitting episodes, each loaded with fresh, intriguing insights about our world. Even years after its premiere, the show continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through its pioneering approach to high-stakes documentary journalism. One might say that The Vice Guide to Everything was not just a television series, but also a unique brand of engaged, authentic, and unflinching journalism.