Max has announced a new documentary series, Teen Torture, INC., that uncovers the dark side of teen correctional facilities. The series features accounts from survivors and advocates trying to expose and change the system. Produced and directed by Tara Malone (The Age of Influence, Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter) the original series will premiere Thursday, July 11 exclusively on Max.
The official press release reports that Julian P. Hobbs (House of Hammer, How to Create a Sex Scandal) and Elli Hakmi (House of Hammer, Life Below Zero) will join Malone on the project as executive producers. Production company Talos Films, responsible for documentaries such as House of Hammer and Deadly Influence: The Social Media Murders, will also present Teen Torture, Inc.
The press release also revealed the official synopsis for the show, saying, “This arced documentary series follows on-going efforts to expose America’s “troubled teen” industry (TTI). For six decades and counting, this billion-dollar business has used what it calls “tough love” as a form of treatment despite numerous deaths, countless suicides, life-altering injuries, and instances of child sexual abuse. Until recently, nobody has been able to stop it. The series follows a recurring band of young survivors and whistleblowers and their harrowing first-hand accounts of extreme abuse and cult-like brainwashing at the hands of these programs, starting a social media firestorm in 2021. Survivors, including rap star Bhad Bhabie, are determined to take down this business once and for all. While they have seen impressive victories, the “troubled teen” industry has long been protected by power and is not going down without a fight.”
Along with the synopsis, Max also published the official trailer for Teen Torture, INC., which can be seen below. The tone quickly escalates as the survivors begin sharing snippets of their abuse while experts intercut with how damaging these places can be for children. An interviewee chimes in by saying, “One thing these places have in common is that the longer the child is held there, the more money they make,” setting up how these facilities are a billion-dollar industry.
To find out more about these survivor’s stories and what advocates are doing to fight against the teen torture industry, watch Teen Torture INC. this July on Max.