Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends

Anyone who hasn't seen Louis Theroux in his Weird Weekends series is in for a massive treat. I've just been through two four-hour DVDs from the video shop and it's a delight from start to finish. The weirdest thing was the episode with Jimmy Saville, who really is weird. That's Weird with a capital W.

Louis Theroux is such a charming, disarming sort of guy that you can't help but love him. He has this naïve, simplistic manner and way of asking questions, like a five year old set free into a world of adults, none more so than the Swingers episode. And the South Africa episode… and the Survivalists episode… and so on.

My favourite is the Gangsta Rap Weird Weekend where Louis tries to become mean and nasty, a ghetto gangsta rapper; somehow, it just doesn't fit, although it's great fun doing his best to be angry, thinking up rap songs on the cuff. He explains how, in the shower, he thought up some lyrics for his rap debut: 'Jiggle, Jiggle, I like you more than a little… do you maybe want to fiddle?' Can a gangsta rappa drive a Fiat? We get loads of questions like that.

In the weekend with the Hamiltons, Louis stumbles upon the bizarre rape allegations arrest of Neil and Christine Hamilton, a major scoop for the show as Louis lands up filming the Hamiltons being filmed by the press and TV. He becomes news himself in his role as a documentary reporter/journalist.

I'm not sure about Jimmy Saville. I think he is definitely too weird even for Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends series.

Over the last few months, I have become obsessed with Louis Theroux and his documentaries. However, as much as I've enjoyed his recent programmes, Weird Weekends is still his Magnum Opus.

Theroux is an endearing screen presence, not to mention intelligent, funny, articulate and attractive. During WW's 3-season run, he had covered a number of interesting subjects ranging from porn to demolition derby. His non-judgemental attitude and willingness to take part makes him one of the best documentarians working today.

My favourite WW episodes are:

Looking for love Gangster Rap Black Nationalists Body building Professional wrestling Off-off Broadway Informercials Swingers

Hell I pretty much like all of them!

I hope Louis decides to do another series next year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first series. He'll have his work cut out for him though trying to find another weird subculture to explore. Especially considering there are now channels devoted to extraordinary human interest stories (e.g. TLC).

Hunter S. Thompson would be proud, Theroux throws himself into the story - not just observing, but experiencing the emotions of the unusual.

From UFOs to swingers and wrestling he navigates life in an alternate world, later, becoming more PC in dark states etc. Theroux, in his style, disarming- interviews and interacts with the public as he fully immerses himself into the experience. It becomes more about him than the subject in question- which is what Gonzo is all about. Fear and loathing renewed, now Thompson has left the world.

It's funny, interesting and well made, you would not get this sort of tv today. The major networks would.not pay, rather having Nigella in all night. It's still around online - catch it while you can.

I met Theroux on a tube train in London coming back from The Hives gig a long time ago. His disarming, puzzled, questioning demeanor intrigues. Gentle, interested, a good listener in a world all we want to do is make content and get likes.

This show is a unique and highly enjoyable experience. His interviewing style is not only hilarious to watch, but very effective at getting people to expose their most blunt and inner secrets. This means that each episode is not only a learning experience but laugh out loud funny.

This also often results in some pretty intense scenes where people reflect on their often sad lives. At this point they either get mad at him, dismiss him, or take it on board. Usually they will simply dismiss or get mad which can make the show a little depressing at points. I would say this makes the humour more appealing to fans of shows like The Office and other British comedies, but also funny for and American audience because of Louis naive character.

I have recently discovered this gem and I am very glad that I did. Louis Theroux is brilliant and he never lets that innocent guard of his down. Even when he is interviewing the most ridiculous people. Louis is the best! And to top it all off he is very easy on the eyes! He is the thinking woman's sex symbol.