Vanguard

Watch Vanguard

  • 2006
  • 6 Seasons
  • 7.8  (56)

Vanguard was a documentary television series that aired on Current TV beginning in 2006. The show was known for its hard-hitting journalism and in-depth coverage of important and often controversial topics. Each episode of the series was hosted by one of three correspondents: Mariana van Zeller, Christof Putzel, or Adam Yamaguchi.

Over the course of its run, Vanguard tackled a wide range of subjects, from war and conflict to environmental issues, social movements, and crime. Some of the most notable episodes of the show focused on topics such as immigration, gang violence, political unrest in Africa, and the war in Afghanistan.

One of the hallmarks of Vanguard was its commitment to getting to the heart of the stories it covered. The show's correspondents were known for their fearless reporting, often putting themselves in dangerous situations to get the story. For example, in one episode, Van Zeller traveled to Mexico to investigate the country's drug cartel wars, putting herself in harm's way as she spoke with cartel members and victims of violence.

Another key feature of Vanguard was its global perspective. Each episode sought to shed light on important issues from around the world, from the struggles of farmers in Africa to the impact of climate change on Pacific island nations. Through its reporting, the show aimed to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the complex issues facing our world today.

Despite the seriousness of the topics it covered, Vanguard was not without its moments of levity. In many episodes, the correspondents injected a bit of humor into their reporting, often through their interactions with the people they were interviewing. These moments helped to humanize the stories and make them more relatable to viewers.

Throughout its run, Vanguard received critical acclaim for its hard-hitting reporting and its commitment to telling important stories from around the world. It was praised for its boldness, its intelligence, and its willingness to tackle difficult topics that other news programs might shy away from.

Sadly, Vanguard came to an end in 2013 when Current TV was acquired by Al Jazeera and the network was rebranded as Al Jazeera America. However, the legacy of the show lives on, with many of its episodes available to watch online and its impact still felt in the world of documentary journalism. For anyone interested in hard-hitting, insightful reporting on important issues, Vanguard is a series that is definitely worth checking out.

Vanguard
Filter by Source
No sources available
Do you have Hulu?
What are you waiting for?
Nice! Browse Hulu with Yidio.
Ad Info - This show may not be available on Hulu
Seasons
Cage Fighting in the USA
7. Cage Fighting in the USA
December 19, 2011
Mariana van Zeller explores the fastest growing sport in America - Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). MMA is now a billion-dollar industry, watched by millions on national TV. But increasingly, amateurs are stepping onto the mat and drawing blood. Mariana meets male and female cage fighters to understand why they love this violent sport. And she spends time in a church run by "The Fight Pastor," who ministers a flock of young men who fight for Jesus.
The 99 Percent
6. The 99 Percent
December 12, 2011
Christof Putzel moves into Zuccotti Park to explore the Occupy Wall Street movement from the inside. Produced by Brent and Craig Renaud.
Two Americas
5. Two Americas
December 5, 2011
Vanguard's "Two Americas" takes a ground-level survey of the growing economic disparity in America, profiling a month in the lives of two families in very different income brackets.
The War on Weed
4. The War on Weed
November 28, 2011
Christof Putzel travels coast to coast to investigate the bizarre range of marijuana laws and enforcement in America. In California, legalized medical marijuana has led to something of a free for all and the Feds are cracking down. In Colorado, medical marijuana is protected by the state constitution and millionaire entrepreneurs have set up shop. In New York City, African-American men are arrested by the tens of thousands for low-level pot possession.
Under the Knife Abroad
3. Under the Knife Abroad
November 14, 2011
In "Under the Knife Abroad," "Vanguard" correspondent Adam Yamaguchi travels to India, Mexico and Barbados to investigate one industry flourishing in these tough economic times: medical tourism.
Islamophobia
2. Islamophobia
November 7, 2011
Vanguard correspondent Adam Yamaguchi examines the rising tide of Islamophobia on both sides of the Atlantic. Ten years after 9/11, the fear of future attacks has given birth to an aggressive new network of anti-Muslim alarmists.
Arming the Mexican Cartels
1. Arming the Mexican Cartels
October 31, 2011
Christof Putzel reports from Juarez, Mexico, where US guns are fueling deadly drug wars.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    April 9, 2006
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (56)