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What we know About An Update on Our Family: A deep dive into Family Vlogging & Controversy

Published
Written by:
Isha Das
Isha Das
Streaming Staff Writer
Edited by:
Ishita Chatterjee
Ishita Chatterjee
Streaming Staff Editor
An Update on Our Family (Credit- Max)

The trailer for An Update on Our Family has dropped, and it’s already sparking conversations. This three-part HBO Original documentary series delves deep into the world of family vlogging, a phenomenon where parents turn their personal lives into public content, sometimes earning significant income along the way. 

Premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Festival to critical acclaim, the series sheds light on the blurred lines between storytelling and exploitation in the age of social media. With a compelling mix of personal stories and cultural critique, it offers a thought-provoking look at the complexities of turning private life into public entertainment.

Curious about what makes this documentary so gripping? From the controversies it examines to the social questions it raises, we’ve got all the must-know details to get you ready for this groundbreaking series. Stay tuned—this article will be updated as new information becomes available!

Release date & Where to Watch

The series premieres Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at 9 pm ET on HBO and will also be available for streaming on Max. New episodes will air weekly on Wednesdays through Jan. 29, 2025. The documentary previously had its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival.

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What is the plot of An Update On Our Family? 

An Update on Our Family dives into the intricate world of family vlogging, where parents share intimate glimpses of their lives online, captivating loyal subscribers and generating income. While these channels foster a deep sense of community among viewers, they also raise critical questions about privacy and the ethics of exposing family life for public consumption.

The series, inspired by Caitlin Moscatello's New York Magazine article, examines the dramatic rise and fall of Ohio-based vloggers Myka and James Stauffer. Once celebrated for their candid portrayal of parenting, the couple gained significant attention in 2017 when they adopted a two-and-a-half-year-old boy named Huxley from China, sharing every step of the adoption process with their audience. 

Huxley quickly became a central figure on their channel, drawing millions of views. However, in 2020, his sudden disappearance from their videos sparked intense speculation about his fate. Blending YouTube footage with insights from vlogging experts, adoption specialists, and parents, the documentary delves into the challenges and consequences of family vlogging. 

It explores the Stauffers’ journey alongside broader issues like the complexities of transnational adoption and the unregulated nature of this lucrative industry. Through the lens of the Stauffer story and the voices of those impacted by family vlogging, An Update on Our Family offers a thought-provoking exploration of an industry at the intersection of personal storytelling and public scrutiny.

Is There a Trailer for An Update On Our Family?

“Having babies is good content, it just is,” begins the trailer for An Update on Our Family. “Truth is this is a business,” says a man. The video then delves into the controversy surrounding Myka and James Stauffer, exploring their rise as parenting influencers and the sudden absence of their adopted son, Huxley, from their videos. 

Featuring interviews with fans, journalists, and experts, it puts a question mark on Huxley’s absence and the ethical questions of influencer culture. Archival footage and confessional clips add depth, promising a compelling look at this divisive story. The trailer ends with the host asking, “Do you think they adopted him for the views?” 

Episode Schedule

The trailer for An Update on Our Family reveals that the docuseries will include the Stauffers' subscribers and local journalists, who delve into the family's background and the events surrounding Huxley’s "disappearance."

What’s the Controversy Surrounding Myka and James Stauffer?

Myka and James Stauffer, once popular YouTubers known for sharing their family life, faced significant controversy surrounding their adopted son, Huxley. The couple adopted Huxley, a 4-year-old from China, who was reportedly diagnosed with autism. Their channel gained popularity as viewers followed their parenting journey.

However, subscribers grew suspicious when Huxley stopped appearing in videos alongside the couple's four biological children. Concerns escalated in 2020 when James uploaded content on his YouTube channel Stauffer Garage, and viewers noticed Huxley’s car seat was missing. Questions about the child's whereabouts allegedly led to the couple deleting comments, further fueling public concern.

The Stauffers later revealed in a video that Huxley had been "re-homed" with another family better equipped to handle his needs. Their attorneys stated the decision followed advice from medical professionals, who believed it was in Huxley's best interest. The Stauffers described the decision as heartbreaking but maintained it was made to provide Huxley with the best care possible.

Behind the Scenes

HBO Documentary Films presents An Update on Our Family, a Vox Media Studios production. The documentary is directed and executive-produced by Rachel Mason, alongside executive producers Rachael Knudsen, Max Heckman, Chad Mumm, Mark W. Olsen, Jennifer O’Connell, and Lizzie Fox.

Caitlin Moscatello and Marina G. Stadler are co-executive producers, with Jasmine Luoma and Julee Metz as producers. Arun Gulati is the co-producer, Danielle Franco is the supervising producer, and Casey Meurer is the senior producer.



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