Mark Fennell Hosting The State of Man for ABC Australia

Helium Pictures and New Mac are producing the docuseries The State of Man, hosted by journalist Marc Fennell (Stuff the British Stole) for Australia’s ABC.

Over three episodes, Fennell will investigate modern masculinity and the rise of the online “manosphere,” exploring the influence of big tech and the culture wars reshaping how Australian men see themselves.

Fennell is an AACTA-nominated documentary filmmaker. He created Stuff the British Stole and hosts SBS’s Mastermind. His documentary titles include The School That Tried to End Racism, Framed, The Kingdom, The Mission, Red Flag, Came From Nowhere, Secret DNA of Us and Tell Me What You Really Think. He also created and hosts the ABC history mystery podcast No One Saw It Coming.

“The State of Man tackles one of the most urgent cultural shifts of our time,” said Helium’s Mark Fennessy. “Unflinching and deeply human, Marc’s investigation offers a rare insight into how the modern culture wars are shaping the lives of men and boys—often in ways we’re only beginning to understand. At times shocking and darkly funny, this bold series asks difficult questions with empathy and rigor that will spark a conversation Australia urgently needs.”

“We’re not coming at this subject with outrage or wagging fingers,” Fennell explained. “We’re approaching it with curiosity, openness and empathy. We’re talking to men and women from all walks of life, trying to really listen and understand what’s going on underneath it all—and how we can do better, together.”

Susie Jones, ABC’s head of factual, added, “The ABC is proud to be partnering again with Helium after the success of the series The Assembly, and with New Mac as well as the supremely talented Marc Fennell to present this vitally important series, exploring one of the most potent and complex social issues facing Australia today. We are inspired by the curiosity, integrity and exactitude that Marc and the team are bringing to the series, which we believe will resonate deeply with our audiences.”