Watch Taboo USA

Taboo USA is a documentary television series that explores the most peculiar and controversial subcultures of the United States. The show premiered on National Geographic in 2013 and was hosted by actor and filmmaker Keller Wortham, adventurer and survivalist Dave Hoffmann, and clinical psychologist and expert on human behavior Ramani Durvasula.

Each episode of Taboo USA focuses on a different topic related to taboo behavior or beliefs in American society, including but not limited to polyamory, extreme body modification, underground fighting, and religious sects. What makes the show stand out is how it approaches these subjects with a nonjudgmental and objective point of view, letting the members of these communities speak for themselves without adding any commentary or moralization.

In the first episode, the hosts delve into the world of polyamory, a lifestyle where people have multiple romantic and sexual partners at the same time, with the consent of everyone involved. They interview members of different polyamorous relationships, from throuples to larger polycules, and try to understand how they manage to maintain healthy and fulfilling dynamics. Wortham, Hoffmann, and Durvasula also attend a polyamorous speed dating event and a polyamory support group, where they witness how open communication and clear boundaries are essential for this lifestyle to work.

The second episode explores the world of extreme body modification, including tattoos, piercings, scarification, and plastic surgery. The hosts meet individuals who have transformed their bodies in ways that are unconventional and oftentimes painful, such as tattooing their entire body black or sewing their lips shut. They also visit a convention where people showcase their most extreme modifications and debate where the line should be drawn between self-expression and self-harm.

Taboo USA's third episode takes a closer look at underground fighting, a subculture where individuals engage in no-holds-barred combat competitions for money and adrenaline. The hosts speak to fighters, promoters, and trainers who explain the appeal and dangers of this illegal activity, which is often associated with organized crime and drug abuse. They also witness a backyard fight and an underground MMA competition, where they confront the ethical concerns of these violent sports.

The fourth episode covers the topic of brainwashing and deprogramming, specifically in the context of religious cults. The hosts interview former members of various cults, such as the Children of God and the Church of Scientology, who share their experiences of being brainwashed and manipulated by charismatic leaders. They also attend a deprogramming session, where a cult expert guides a family in rescuing their daughter from a religious group.

The fifth and final episode of Taboo USA examines the world of survivalism, a movement that advocates for being prepared for disasters and societal collapse through self-sufficiency and stockpiling. The hosts meet survivalists who have built bunkers, stockpiled food and water, and trained in survival skills such as hunting and gardening. They also visit a prepper convention and a disaster simulation, where they debate whether survivalism is a practical precaution or a paranoid obsession.

Overall, Taboo USA is a thought-provoking and eye-opening series that pushes the boundaries of what is considered mainstream and acceptable in American society. By giving a voice to those who practice taboo behaviors or beliefs, the show challenges viewers to question their own assumptions and biases and to consider the diversity of human experience.

Taboo USA is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between June 4, 2013 and on National Geographic