Watch TV Junkie

TV Junkie is a remarkable 2006 documentary film that follows the life of Rick Kirkham, a once-popular TV reporter who became addicted to drugs and struggled to overcome his addiction. The film is a raw and honest portrayal of Kirkham's life, from his early days as a reporter to his struggles with addiction and eventual recovery. Directed by Michael Cain and Matt Radecki, TV Junkie is a unique documentary film that uses footage shot by Kirkham himself. Kirkham was a self-described "TV junkie" who was obsessed with capturing every moment of his life on camera. He recorded everything from his personal life to his professional work as a TV reporter, and the filmmakers used this footage to create a gripping and powerful film.

The film begins with Kirkham's early days as a reporter in Florida, where he quickly rose to prominence in local news. He covered everything from murders to natural disasters, and his coverage was often controversial and sensational. Over time, however, Kirkham's personal life began to unravel, and he turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the stresses of his job.

The film shows Kirkham's addiction spiraling out of control, with footage of him shooting up heroin and smoking crack cocaine. The filmmakers don't shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, and the scenes of Kirkham's drug use are often difficult to watch. Throughout it all, Kirkham continues to record himself, documenting his addiction and the toll it takes on his life.

As Kirkham's addiction worsens, he loses his job as a reporter and is forced to sell his house and most of his possessions to support his habit. He moves to Texas, where he continues to use drugs and record himself. The film shows Kirkham at his lowest point, homeless and living on the streets.

Despite the bleakness of Kirkham's story, the film also shows glimmers of hope. Kirkham eventually decides to get clean and enters rehab, where he begins to confront the underlying issues that led to his addiction. The film shows Kirkham's progress in rehab, as well as his struggles to rebuild his life after addiction.

TV Junkie is a powerful and emotional film that offers a unique and honest look at addiction. The film's use of Kirkham's personal footage gives it an authenticity and intimacy that is often lacking in documentaries. The filmmakers don't shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, but they also show that recovery is possible, even in the face of extreme adversity.

The film also includes interviews with some of Kirkham's colleagues and acquaintances, including Tom Brokaw and James Brown. These interviews provide insight into Kirkham's career and add context to his story.

Overall, TV Junkie is a must-see documentary that offers a powerful and honest look at addiction and recovery. The film's unique approach and raw footage make it a compelling watch, and Kirkham's journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Anyone who has struggled with addiction or knows someone who has will find this film to be a moving and thought-provoking exploration of a complex and difficult topic.

TV Junkie is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.