Men of the Manosphere

Following Hunting The Catfish Crime Gang and Hunting the Online Sex Predators, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Three have commissioned a new 1×60′ documentary film presented by James Blake, Men of the Manosphere.

In this latest film James Blake meets young men seeking status, wealth and women, and explores the ‘manosphere’ – a network of communities that create, consume and distribute content online aimed at men and boys.

James joins three young men from across the UK to try and discover why they’re turning to the virtual world for answers and how it’s influencing every part of their lives. From self-improvement coaches to ‘Red Pill preachers’, these influencers and communities promise young men seemingly quick answers to the challenges life throws at them.

James meets 16 year old Sam who has swapped real-life friends for online ‘brotherhood’ to fulfil his travel and business goals; Shayne, a university graduate who is using the Red Pill mantra in response to a heartbreak, and Jack, a Northern Irish construction worker chasing discipline, status and direction.

James Blake says: “It was fascinating to learn more about this complex side of the internet and social media, and to meet just some of the people who have been influenced by it in one way or another. I’m grateful to them for inviting me into their world and I hope the programme gives viewers a deeper understanding of the ‘Manosphere’ and its impact on young men and others.”

Men of the Manosphere is set to air on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday 12 November, BBC Three on Monday 17 November and BBC One on Wednesday 19 November.

It was commissioned by Eddie Doyle for BBC Northern Ireland and Jack Bootle for BBC Specialist Factual. Mary McKeagney and Denise Mather are Commissioning Editors for the BBC and Kelda Crawford-McCann is Executive Producer for Strident. It is produced and directed by Pete Grant for Strident and made with support from Northern Ireland Screen.