The digital age has ushered in a fascinating phenomenon: family vlogging. These online chronicles, where parents share their lives for public consumption, have cultivated massive audiences and, for some, substantial income. The HBO Original three-part documentary series, AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY, delves into this complex world, offering a critical lens on the motivations, impacts, and ethical questions surrounding family vlogging. Premiering WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and available to stream on Max, this documentary promises a thought-provoking exploration of modern family dynamics in the age of social media. New episodes will air on subsequent Wednesdays through January 29, offering a weekly deep dive into this captivating subject. The series initially premiered to critical acclaim at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, setting the stage for its highly anticipated broadcast debut.
What is “An Update on Our Family” About?
Inspired by a compelling New York Magazine article by Caitlin Moscatello, AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY focuses on the story of Myka and James Stauffer, Ohio-based vloggers who amassed a following of approximately one million subscribers on YouTube by 2020. Known for their seemingly authentic portrayal of family life, the Stauffers documented their journey as parents, including the 2017 adoption of a two-and-a-half-year-old boy from China named Huxley. Huxley became a central figure in their vlogs, captivating viewers with his presence. However, three years later, Huxley abruptly disappeared from the Stauffer’s online channels, sparking widespread speculation and concern among their followers.
Through a combination of archival YouTube footage featuring the Stauffers and other family vloggers, alongside insightful interviews with YouTube viewers, vlogging experts, adoption specialists, and parents, the documentary dissects the allure and inherent challenges of family vlogging. It sheds light on the strong sense of community these channels foster among viewers who become invested in the daily lives of these families. More importantly, AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY initiates crucial conversations about internet privacy, the intricacies of international adoption, and the largely unregulated industry that has emerged from monetizing family life online. The series prompts viewers to consider the broader implications of sharing intimate family moments in the digital sphere and the potential consequences for all involved.
Episode Breakdown: What to Expect
AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY unfolds across three compelling episodes, each tackling different facets of the family vlogging phenomenon and the Stauffer family’s story:
Episode 1: “Welcome to Our Family” (Debut date: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
This opening episode introduces viewers to the lucrative world of YouTube vlogging. It features archival footage of Myka and James Stauffer, alongside original interviews, including insights from avid YouTube consumer Hannah Cho, who explains the community fostered by daily vlogs. The episode highlights Myka Stauffer’s relatable persona and open sharing, which propelled her channel to popularity and attracted brand partnerships. The episode culminates with the Stauffers teasing a “big surprise” – the announcement of their adoption plans from China, adding a new layer to their online narrative.
Episode 2: “Damn Good Mom” (Debut date: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Episode two delves into the business side of family vlogging, exploring YouTube’s algorithm and its influence on content creation. The episode examines how sensationalist titles and thumbnails become crucial for attracting viewers in a competitive online landscape. As the Stauffers approach adoption day, their vlogs document the countdown, further engaging their audience. While brand sponsorships continue to generate income, a dramatic shift occurs when, after being a prominent figure in their vlogs for over two years, Huxley disappears from the Stauffer’s channel, and all videos featuring him are abruptly made private, signaling a significant and unexplained change.
Episode 3: “Where’s Huxley?” (Debut date: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
The final episode explores the fallout from Huxley’s disappearance and the ensuing online backlash. Concerned fans transform into critics as online scrutiny intensifies. The press begins to investigate the Stauffers’ online presence, focusing on their affluent lifestyle, Huxley’s portrayal in their videos, and their eventual tearful 2020 update addressing his absence. The episode depicts the consequences of the controversy, including brand sponsors dropping the Stauffer family and Myka Stauffer’s retreat from the internet, illustrating the volatile nature of online fame and public opinion.
Why Watch “An Update on Our Family”?
AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY is more than just a documentary about one family; it’s a relevant and timely examination of modern society’s relationship with social media, privacy, and family dynamics. In an era where online personas often blur the lines with reality, this series encourages viewers to critically consider the implications of sharing personal lives online and the responsibilities of both content creators and consumers. By focusing on the Stauffer family’s story, the documentary provides a compelling case study for understanding the broader issues at play in the world of family vlogging, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of digital culture and its impact on families.
Credits: HBO Documentary Films presents AN UPDATE ON OUR FAMILY, a Vox Media Studios Production. Directed and executive produced by Rachel Mason; executive producers, Rachael Knudsen, Max Heckman, Chad Mumm, Mark W. Olsen, Jennifer O’Connell, and Lizzie Fox; co-executive producers Caitlin Moscatello and Marina G. Stadler; producers Jasmine Luoma and Julee Metz; co-producer, Arun Gulati; supervising producer, Danielle Franco; senior producer, Casey Meurer.
