Unplanned America
| Company type | Television documentary series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Pawel Jarecki, Tim 'Gonzo' Ryan, Nick Maher |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Television documentary series |
Unplanned America is a gonzo-style television documentary series that follows Australians Pawel Jarecki, Tim 'Gonzo' Ryan, and Nick Maher as they traverse the United States without a predetermined itinerary. Traveling in a well-worn 1999 Toyota Camry with 300,000 kilometres on the odometer, they depend on locals to direct their route, aiming to discover genuine encounters and meet extraordinary people beyond conventional tourist experiences.
History
In 2012, Gonzo, Parv, and Nick embarked on a self-funded expedition across the U.S., targeting distinctive and often challenging communities. Operating on a limited budget, they spent half a year covering over 20,000 miles and visiting more than 35 states. Their travels encompassed a wide range of environments such as Colorado’s mountainous regions, California’s arid deserts, Detroit’s urban landscapes, Texas’s coastal islands, Seattle’s rainy atmosphere, Chicago’s south side neighborhoods, and New York City.
Season One 2014
| # | Title | Air Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | "When Fantasy Meets Reality" | 12 May | In Seattle, the group joins forces with the Rain City Superheroes to delve into their vigilante activities. They also tour the Real Doll factory in southern California, which manufactures lifelike sex dolls catering to specialized markets. |
| 1.2 | "Family Matters" | 12 May | The hosts attend the unruly Gathering of The Juggalos festival in southern Illinois, followed by an exploration of New York City's underground ballroom dance culture within gay and minority communities. |
| 1.3 | "The Boyz In The Hood" | 19 May | Accompanied by Kanye West’s former manager John Monopoly, they navigate the perilous streets of south-side Chicago, uncovering how emerging rappers use music as a pathway out of poverty. |
| 1.4 | "Inhibition and Exhibition" | 19 May | The team visits the adult film industry in Los Angeles on the set of Austin Powers XXX, then participates in a large nude bike ride in Portland that celebrates body positivity. |
| 1.5 | "Waking Up From The American Dream" | 26 May | In Detroit, they observe local initiatives aimed at urban renewal. Later, within the California Desert, they explore Slab City—an off-grid enclave of artists and nonconformists who have established a self-managed community. |
| 1.6 | "On The Road" | 26 May | Parv and Gonzo immerse themselves in spring break festivities, engage with UFO enthusiasts, experience Las Vegas's rockabilly culture, attend tailgate parties, explore car customization scenes, and undergo cryogenic preservation. |
Season Two 2015
The six-episode second season features Gonzo, Nick, and Parv investigating Portland’s strip club environment, obtaining their inaugural marijuana license, attempting to consume a 20,000-calorie burger at Las Vegas's Heart Attack Grill, getting inked at a prominent U.S. tattoo studio, and meeting former gangsters removing their tattoos among other adventures.
Theme Song
The theme music for Unplanned America is titled Solar and is performed by Nick Nuisance & The Delinquents from Petersham, Sydney.
External links
- Unplanned America on SBS: Three Australians explore the bizarre, from UFO encounters to the Insane Clown Posse – The Sydney Morning Herald
- Unplanned America debuts on SBS 2 – If.com.au Intermedia