Remember “Girls Gone Wild”? Of course you do. Peacock certainly hopes you haven’t forgotten, as they’re about to unleash “Girls Gone Wild: The Untold Story,” a three-part docuseries premiering Tuesday, December 3, 2024. This isn’t just a stroll down memory lane, though; the series, directed by Peabody and Emmy Award winner Jamila Wignot (whose previous work, like “Ailey,” demonstrates a sharp eye for unpacking complicated cultural figures), aims to expose the underbelly of Joe Francis’s once-thriving, now scandal-plagued empire.
While the series features Francis’s first extensive interview in nearly a decade (conducted by Scaachi Koul at his current residence in Mexico), it thankfully doesn’t rely solely on his self-serving narrative. Wignot incorporates accounts from eleven former employees and, crucially, survivors of Francis’s alleged exploitative practices. These voices, coupled with previously unseen footage and audio recordings, promise to paint a far more disturbing picture than the one presented by the carefully crafted image of “Girls Gone Wild” as merely harmless fun.
The series goes beyond simply chronicling the rise and fall of a controversial brand. It digs into the cultural context of the early 2000s, exploring how “Girls Gone Wild” became emblematic of a specific brand of “bro culture” and its often blurry lines around consent. This exploration is especially relevant now, in a post-#MeToo world where society grapples with the legacy of such media. The docuseries also examines the legal battles that have dogged Francis for years, offering viewers insight into the consequences of his actions.
“Girls Gone Wild: The Untold Story” isn’t just a recap; it’s a reckoning. By providing a platform for those allegedly harmed by Francis’s enterprise, the series raises important questions about responsibility, exploitation, and the long-term effects of media that objectifies women. Will it offer definitive answers? That remains to be seen. But given Wignot’s track record of nuanced storytelling, it’s likely to spark conversations that go far beyond the confines of a three-part docuseries.
“Girls Gone Wild: The Untold Story” is a Maxine Productions (Sony Pictures Television) and BuzzFeed Studios production for Peacock.
“Girls Gone Wild: The Untold Story” premieres Tuesday, December 3rd on Peacock.
