HBO is set to release a thought-provoking three-part documentary series that delves into the complex world of family vlogging. “AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY,” directed by Rachel Mason, offers an unprecedented look at the popular and potentially lucrative phenomenon where parents share their family life on social media channels.
The series explores the motivations behind family vlogging and the wider issues that emerge when parents make their family life public. Inspired by a New York Magazine article by Caitlin Moscatello, it focuses on the rise and fall of Ohio-based vlogger parents Myka and James Stauffer, who gained massive popularity through their YouTube channels.
At the heart of the documentary is the story of Huxley, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy adopted from China by the Stauffers in 2017. The family documented the entire adoption process and subsequent adjustments, with Huxley becoming a significant audience driver for their channel. However, three years later, Huxley mysteriously disappeared from their content, sparking widespread online speculation.
“AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY” weaves together YouTube footage of the Stauffers and other family vloggers, along with insights from YouTube consumers, vlogging experts, adoption specialists, and parents. It provides a comprehensive look at the popularity and challenges of family vlog channels, revealing the deep sense of community they provide to their subscribers.
The series raises important questions about privacy on the internet, the nuances of trans-national adoption, and the unregulated industry of monetizing one’s family. It promises to provoke meaningful conversations about the ethical implications of sharing family life online for profit.
Episode one, “Welcome to Our Family,” introduces viewers to the lucrative world of YouTube vlogging and the Stauffers’ journey. The second episode, “Damn Good Mom,” explores the business side of family vlogging and the events leading up to Huxley’s disappearance from the Stauffers’ channel. The final episode, “Where’s Huxley?,” examines the fallout when online vitriol rises and concerned fans turn into critics.
This HBO Original documentary series is set to debut on Wednesday, January 15, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with new episodes airing on subsequent Wednesdays through January 29. It will also be available to stream on Max.
