Louis Theroux has revealed that his favourite documentary from his three-decade career is The Most Hated Family in America, a three-part series now available on BBC iPlayer. The revelation came during an interview with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall on the Inner Game podcast.
Theroux's Son Sparked the Question
Theroux explained that his son recently asked him which documentary he considered his best. 'He was like, "What do you think is your best documentary?"' Theroux recalled. 'I said, well I don't really like to say, but probably one I did called The Most Hated Family in America.'
Inside the Westboro Baptist Church
The documentary originally aired as a one-off in 2007, but Theroux later returned to film two more seasons. It focuses on the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, a small cult-like group led by Pastor Fred Phelps. The church is known for picketing funerals, especially those of soldiers, with homophobic signs reading 'Thank God for dead soldiers'. Theroux noted that the group believed the deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan were divine punishment for America's tolerance of homosexuality.
Paradoxical Hospitality
Despite their extremist views, Theroux described the church members as remarkably welcoming. 'The paradox is that behind-the-scenes they were very welcoming,' he said. 'They were like, "We know you hate us and God hates you because you’re hellbound sinners, but while you’re here, would you like a cup of lemonade? Please come in, sit down." They were very civil and highly educated.'
Why It Stands Out
Theroux expressed particular pride in the first instalment. 'The first one in particular, for various reasons, I do think, I’m particularly proud of that one,' he said. 'Someone who didn’t know who I was, no history with me, they could watch that and be like, "Oh yeah, that’s really good." I can sort of hold that and go like, "Yeah, that’s really good."'
Theroux's latest work, Inside the Manosphere, is currently streaming on Netflix. He has been making documentaries for the BBC for nearly 30 years.
