Todd Sampson returns to ABC with unconventional documentary series
Rather than framing its subjects as right or wrong, WHY? deliberately resists easy conclusions.
Todd Sampson is set to challenge audiences once again with WHY?, but this time in an unconventional way.
The series sees Sampson step into complex and often uncomfortable territory, exploring lives shaped by belief, obsession, conviction and risk, at a time when public debate is increasingly polarised.
Exploring the grey areas of belief and behaviour
Rather than framing its subjects as right or wrong, WHY? deliberately resists easy conclusions.
Across the series, Sampson immerses himself in communities and individuals whose choices are confronting and, at times, deeply unsettling.
Each episode explores a different moral and psychological frontier, from Donor Dads and Doomsday Preppers to Alien Church worshippers and BASE jumpers, inviting viewers to challenge assumptions and reflect on the instincts that shape human behaviour.
Asking the harder question
Sampson said the series is driven by curiosity rather than judgement.
“Some ‘whys’ may never be fully answered. Some may be hard to swallow, but it’s through understanding others that we may better understand ourselves,” Sampson said.
The leading media trade publication in Australia.
Get our top stories straight to your inbox daily by signing up to our Newsletter
The series aims to sit with discomfort, offering insight into the fears, desires and belief systems that quietly influence people’s decisions, rather than providing definitive answers.
Production details
WHY? is produced by Baltimore Films. Todd Sampson serves as writer, creator, executive producer and host. The series is filmed, directed and produced by Jeff Siberry, with Johanna Gibson and Melanie Sauer as story producers.
Janny Biltoft is line producer and production manager. Julie Hanna is ABC commissioning editor, with Susie Jones serving as ABC head of documentary and specialist.
Where to watch
WHY? premieres Tuesday 24 February at 8.30pm on ABC TV and will also be available on ABC iview.
