Watch Louis Theroux: Dark States

Louis Theroux: Dark States is a hard-hitting documentary series that delves into some of the most dangerous and impoverished regions of the United States. The show is presented by Louis Theroux, a veteran journalist and documentary filmmaker known for his unique approach to storytelling.

Over the course of three episodes, Louis travels to three different cities in the US, each of which has its own unique set of challenges and problems. In the first episode, "Heroin Town," Louis visits Huntington, West Virginia, a city that has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic. There, he meets with addicts, law enforcement officials, and community activists to try to gain a better understanding of the scope of the problem and what is being done to address it.

In the second episode, "Trafficking Sex," Louis travels to Houston, Texas, to investigate the world of prostitution and sex trafficking. He meets with both sex workers and their clients, as well as with members of law enforcement and advocacy groups who are working to combat the problem.

Finally, in the third episode, "Murder in Milwaukee," Louis visits Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a city with one of the highest rates of gun violence in the country. He speaks with families of victims, law enforcement officials, and community leaders to try to get a sense of what is driving the violence and what can be done to stop it.

Throughout the series, Louis uses his trademark interviewing style to get up close and personal with his subjects, often gaining their trust and opening up lines of communication that might not have been possible with a different approach. He is also unflinching in his portrayal of the stark realities of life in these communities, never shying away from the harsh truths that he uncovers.

Louis is not alone in his efforts, however. In each episode, he is well-supported by local guides who are intimately familiar with the communities they take him to. In "Heroin Town," for example, Louis is joined by Mickey Watson, a former addict who now runs a community organization that helps people struggling with addiction. In "Trafficking Sex," he works alongside Alisha Phillips, a former sex worker who now advocates for greater protections for people in the sex industry.

The series is expertly produced and edited, with a keen eye for detail and a real sense of urgency. The use of music and sound design is particularly effective, helping to create a sense of atmosphere and tension that is often palpable.

One of the real strengths of the series is the way that it brings together different threads and perspectives to create a nuanced portrait of each of the communities it visits. Rather than presenting a one-sided view of the issues at hand, the show takes pains to explore different points of view, including those of law enforcement officials, community activists, and everyday citizens. This creates a more complex and nuanced picture of each of the communities, and helps to underscore the challenges that are faced by everyone involved.

Ultimately, Louis Theroux: Dark States is a powerful and thought-provoking series that shines a light on some of the most pressing issues facing communities across the United States. It is an important work that asks tough questions, and demands thoughtful consideration from its viewers.