It’s been a big year for SBS 2, so big in fact we’re now called SBS VICELAND. Behind all the Helvetica, drone footage, and voicemails we remain the same channel we’ve always been - just trying to understand the people and world around us.
In no particular order, and in my entirely subjective opinion, I give you ten of my favourite shows from the channel formerly known as SBS 2 over the last 12 months.
States of Undress
As someone who dresses almost exclusively in varying shades of the same button down shirt, I didn’t plan on being so enamoured with a show about fashion. From the streets of Kinshasa to the beauty pageants of Venezuela, fashion as lens into a countries culture is nothing short of inspired.
Travel Man
Richard Ayoade’s reluctant travel show is as much a journey into the hosts psyche as it is a weekend away for him and his travel companion. The show’s format is so tightly executed it almost doesn’t matter where they visit at this point, although I think we’re all waiting for that inevitable Canberra episode.
More of The Best of 2016:
SBS Channel Manager Ben Nguyen selects The Best of SBS in 2016
Adam Ruins Everything
Everything you know is wrong, and that’s okay. Adam Conover’s web series turned television show dispelling common misconceptions about life is the heavily researched, sketch comedy meets education show you didn’t know you needed in your life.
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
What more can be said about Samantha Bee that every hot-take-think-piece of 2016 hasn’t already? Ten years on The Daily Show prepared her for this very moment, and she’s going to grab it by the balls.
Balls Deep
Speaking of balls. This engaging and at times devastating series is the latest evolution of the “exploring subcultures” genre that Louis Theroux pioneered with his Weird Weekends. Much like Louis, our host Thomas Morton tackles issues of race, religion, class and sexuality with a judgment free awkwardness that lets the subjects speak for themselves.
Walk of Shame Shuttle
Is this one of the trashiest shows on television? Yes. Is it as fake as Mystery Diners? Probably, if that’s possible. Is it also one of the most explicit, revealing and non-judgemental formats on television? Yes, because sometimes it takes a shallow show to hit on something deep.
Going Deep with David Rees
This man takes the most average of topics (signing your name, taking a nap, making toast) and somehow makes you end up questioning the very nature of your reality. It’s the factual entertainment equivalent of Westworld, and one day my career will peak when I can bring this show back for a third season.
Going Deep with David Rees - Season: 1 Source: SBS
VICE World of Sports
VICE World of Sports is not about sports. It’s not going to give you the highlights or scores, or the news of the day. This exceptional series tells deeply personal stories, of people and communities for who sport is much more than just a game.
Great Minds with Dan Harmon
Dan Harmon and his assistant Spencer Crittenden create clones of famous people from history? What could go wrong.
The Age of Loneliness
This British documentary explores the rarely discussed epidemic of loneliness. While some in the film found loneliness gradually crept up on them, others had it thrust upon them. It’s the kind of thoughtful, meditative documentary that can change the way you think about your own life, and those around you.
