ABC Upfronts 2026 | The State of Man hosted by Marc Fennell – Helium Pictures, New Mac and the ABC today announced production of a new three-part documentary series, The State of Man, hosted by award-winning journalist Marc Fennell (Stuff the British Stole).
The State of Man is a provocative and deeply personal investigation by Marc Fennell into what it means to be a man in Australia today.
Over three episodes, Marc 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.
With honesty and empathy, Marc will confront the underlying beliefs, examining the social and technological forces that shape them, the incentives that fuel them, and his own blind spots as a man and father.
Marc Fennell is a Walkley-winning journalist and AACTA-nominated documentary filmmaker known for bold investigative storytelling with global reach. He created the award-winning Stuff the British Stole for ABC Australia and CBC Canada, and hosts SBS TV’s iconic game show Mastermind.
Marc’s documentaries span continents and genres — from art heists to racism, tech scandals to stolen meteorites. His acclaimed titles include 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.
Helium’s Mark Fennessy said:
“The State of Man tackles one of the most urgent cultural shifts of our time. 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 rigour that will spark a conversation Australia urgently needs”.
Marc Fennell said:
“We’re not coming at this subject with outrage, or wagging fingers. 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, said:
“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.”
A Helium Pictures and New Mac Production. Developed and produced in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Development assistance and production funding from Minderoo Pictures. Distributed by ABC Commercial. Developed with the assistance of VicScreen. Executive Producer and Director, Melissa Maclean. Executive Producers Mark Fennessy, Luke Clark and James McPherson. Journalist and Producer, Marc Fennell.
Media Release – Helium Pictures
Link to ABC iview HERE
TV Central ABC content HERE
ABC Upfronts 2026 | The State of Man hosted by Marc Fennell
