HBO is set to debut its latest gripping documentary series, An Update on Our Family, a three-part exploration into the phenomenon of family vlogging and the ethical dilemmas it raises. Directed by Rachel Mason, the series will premiere on Wednesday, January 15, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available for streaming on Max. New episodes will air weekly, concluding on January 29.
Having premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Festival to critical acclaim, the series offers a thought-provoking look at the practice of family vlogging—where parents share intimate glimpses of their lives online for millions of viewers, often turning their family dynamics into a lucrative business.
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At its core, An Update on Our Family tells the story of Myka and James Stauffer, once-celebrated Ohio-based vloggers who built a massive following by documenting their parenting journey. By 2020, their YouTube channels had amassed nearly one million subscribers, captivated by the highs and lows of their family life. In 2017, the Stauffers adopted a two-and-a-half-year-old boy from China, Huxley, chronicling the entire adoption process. Huxley quickly became a fan favorite and a focal point of their channel. But in 2020, viewers noticed his sudden absence, igniting a storm of online speculation and scrutiny.
Through a mix of archived YouTube footage, interviews with experts and fans, and analysis of the Stauffers’ rise and fall, the series unpacks the complexities of making one’s private life public. It raises pressing questions about the ethics of monetizing family dynamics, the unregulated nature of online content, and the implications for children featured in such vlogs.
Episode Highlights:
Episode 1: “Welcome to Our Family”
Debut: January 15
The premiere delves into the Stauffers’ initial foray into family vlogging, where Myka’s transparency and bubbly personality earned her a loyal audience and lucrative brand partnerships. The episode captures the family’s adoption announcement, positioning Huxley’s arrival as a life-changing moment both personally and professionally.
Episode 2: “Damn Good Mom”
Debut: January 22
The second installment explores the business side of vlogging, revealing how platforms like YouTube incentivize eye-catching content and emotional narratives. The Stauffers’ growing success is contrasted with mounting pressure to maintain their momentum. When Huxley disappears from their channel, questions about his well-being and the ethics of his portrayal come to the forefront.
Episode 3: “Where’s Huxley?”
Debut: January 29
The final episode dives into the fallout, as fans-turned-critics and media scrutiny lead to the unraveling of the Stauffers’ online empire. The family faces backlash from former supporters and the loss of brand deals. The episode examines the broader implications for children in the vlogging industry and the call for greater accountability.
A Broader Conversation
Inspired by Caitlin Moscatello’s New York Magazine article, An Update on Our Family sparks a much-needed dialogue about the boundaries of online privacy, the ethics of transnational adoption, and the challenges of raising children under the public gaze.
As family vlogging continues to grow as an industry, this timely series forces viewers to confront the darker side of seemingly wholesome online content. Don’t miss the premiere of An Update on Our Family—a documentary that will have audiences questioning where to draw the line between personal storytelling and exploitation.
For more information and updates, visit HBO’s website.
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