Social issues documentaries

Presented by investigative journalists such as Louis Theroux and Stacey Dooley, BBC Select features many documentaries that cover the social issues affecting today's society: from climate change to racism and domestic violence. If you live in the US or Canada, you can sign up for BBC Select to get informed on all of today's hot topics.

Generation Porn

Watch Generation Porn on BBC Select

The rise of the internet has seen an explosion of free porn instantly available to everyone. But what is this doing to us?

BBC Select delves into the adult entertainment industry with this eye-opening documentary exploring the world of pornography.

What effect is this sexual imagery having on the people who watch it and those who make it? And what impact is the porn revolution having on society?

The Rise of Female Violence

Watch The Rise of Female Violence on BBC Select

Has drinking heavily and brawling become a way of life for part of Britain’s female population?

From women who attack their boyfriends to out-of-control party teens and girl-on-girl gang violence, are the streets less safe due to a rising tide of bad behavior?

Journalist Alys Harte sets out to discover why women are getting angrier and their actions more outrageous in this eye-opening documentary.

This show is not currently available on BBC Select but see below to browse through more social issues documentaries available to stream on BBC Select.

Deepfake Porn: You Could Be Next

Stream Deepfake Porn: You Could Be Next on BBC Select

Most people think of deepfakes as manipulated video clips of world leaders, designed to create confusion. But the most pressing threat of deepfakes is not politics, but porn. Research shows around 96 percent of deepfake videos are pornographic, almost always involving non-consenting women.

This shocking documentary features women who have been impacted by this form of image-based sexual abuse.

Louis Theroux: Forbidden America

Louis Theroux Forbidden America on BBC Select

Travelling across the United States, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux sees how the internet and social media has impacted some of the most controversial corners of American society. From those promoting far-right ideas, those in a violent and chaotic rap scene and adult film performers claiming victimization by the industry. All use the internet to reach their audience, all push the boundaries of acceptability.

Life and Death Row

Image of someone looking out of a window with bars on it

Eight condemned men are due to be executed over ten days. Here are their stories.

Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson has scheduled eight men to be put to death within ten days of each other. The reason for the unprecedented timetable is to use up the state’s supply of a lethal injection drug. With access to the families of victims, and of those on death row, this compelling documentary series follows the eight cases from both sides, in the time leading up to each execution.

Life and Death Row Season 1

Episode 1 – Execution
The first episode focusses on two of the youngest men on death row in Texas, where execution day has arrived. One victim reflects on her kidnapping ordeal by murderer Richard Cobb while battling a desire to forgive him. Elsewhere, the mother of cop killer Anthony Haynes fights to use the final 72 hours to halt her son’s execution.

Episode 2 – Judgement
Exploring the trial of 26-year-old Guy Heinze Jr, accused of beating his father and seven members of his family to death. With remarkable access to the jury members charged with reaching a verdict, there’s legal manoeuvring and unexpected twists as evidence about the brutal killings unfolds.

Episode 3 – Crisis Stage
The final episode follows legal student Kelly Hickman as she attempts to save two young killers facing execution. Robert Pruett was sentenced to death for murdering a prison guard at the age of 20. Robert Garza was a member of the notorious Tri-City Bombers street gang. As execution day dawns, Kelly feels frustratingly shut out of the legal process.