Louis Theroux Reportedly in Line for Major Netflix Contract After Manosphere Documentary
Renowned documentarian Louis Theroux, aged 55, is reportedly being lined up for a substantial Netflix deal following the smash hit success of his feature-length special Inside the Manosphere. This development marks a significant shift for Theroux, who spent decades working with the BBC before making his first show for the streaming platform.
Exploring the Manosphere and Its Controversial Figures
In Inside the Manosphere, Theroux delved into the fast-growing cultural movement of extremist online influencers who target young men with misogynistic, homophobic, and racist ideologies. The documentary saw him meet with several content creators who boast thousands of followers across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, engaging them in discussions about their shocking views on masculinity, women, and society.
One key figure featured was influencer Amrou, better known as Myron Gaines, who rose to fame through his controversial Fit and Fresh podcast. This podcast has previously hosted figures like Andrew Tate and focuses on topics such as masculinity, relationships, fitness, and finance, streaming on X (formerly Twitter) and the paid content site Kick.
Netflix's Eager Pursuit and BBC Implications
Sources indicate that Netflix is now clamouring for more shows from Theroux and is set to offer him a lucrative new contract. This move has been described as a blow to his former employer, the BBC, as it highlights the streaming giant's ability to attract top talent away from traditional broadcasters. A source commented, This is going to make very uncomfortable viewing for the BBC, as they've already had to watch him front his first documentary that wasn't for the corporation.
The potential deal could include further explorations into the manosphere or other subjects, with Theroux likely having the freedom to choose his topics, given his broad interests ranging from celebrity culture to serious politics.
Controversial Content and Backlash from Influencers
During the documentary, Theroux sat in on a recording of the After Hours segment of Amrou's podcast, where Amrou sparred with local female influencers. In one shocking clip, Amrou branded a female guest a fat f***ing b***h. Theroux also quizzed Amrou about his desire for multiple wives and his past one-way monogamous relationship, which allowed him to sleep with other women while his then-girlfriend remained faithful.
In response, Amrou has since branded Theroux a liar in his podcast The Debrief, accusing Netflix of creating woke garbage and manipulating content to make polarising figures appear crazy for shock value. In a lengthy stream titled Inside the Therouxsphere of lies, Amrou criticised the documentary for lacking context and background, stating, Their goal is to take a polarising person, put them in a box, make them look crazy, give shock value and sell it off.
Further Controversies and Personal Revelations
Elsewhere in the documentary and related content, Amrou made additional controversial statements, telling followers that overweight people don't deserve to find love and blaming feminism for global problems. He also used homophobic and ableist slurs, derogatory terms for women, and an anti-semitic caricature while discussing Jewish people.
The documentary revealed that Amrou had split from his girlfriend Angie six months prior, with Amrou explaining on social media that she wanted to start a family while he was not ready, saying, That's what she wants, and she's been waiting around for a minute, so who the f**k am I to tell her, 'Nah, keep waiting' or deny her that.
As Netflix moves forward with potential deals, the platform has been contacted for comment, with no official statement released yet. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between traditional media and streaming services in securing high-profile documentary talent.
