Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere could be the next Adolescence as it leaves parents 'terrified' by 'toxic behaviour and extremist views' of alpha male influencers

It was just last year that Netflix's series Adolescence instilled fear into parents across at the world about the content their teenage sons are viewing online. 

And with the release of Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere, parents have again been left 'terrified' by the 'toxic behaviour and extremist views' of the world of alpha male influencers.

It follows as documentarian Louis, 55, explores how extremist influencers are manipulating young boys with their ideas surrounding masculinity, interviewing the likes of Harrison Sullivan (HSTikkyTokky), Myron Gaines and Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy (Sneako). 

Amidst a string of concerning scenes are several showing very young boys obsessing over the extremist influencers and declaring themselves 'huge fans'.

Now, worried parents of young boys have shared their utter terror after watching the documentary as they insisted they will be showing it to their own sons.  

It follows the widespread impact of Netflix's drama series Adolescence, which told the story of a 13-year-old boy who brutally murders his classmate after becoming radicalised by online extremist misogyny. 

Sharing their thoughts on Louis's latest depp-dive documentary, concerned parents wrote in the comments: 'Watching this now and I am speechless. As a mum of four boys it is terrifying,';

'Had to watch in stages as these people are beyond belief! I'd be so ashamed if I was their parent. Going to watch again with my 2 sons,';

'Fantastic work! Thank you for shedding light on a world that many parents of teen and young adult sons have been worrying about, let alone understand it.

'Watched it today, it was uncomfortable watching. Great documentary but it makes me worry about the type of world my little boy will grow up in!'; 'Just watched it. Excellent as per. Also scary as the mother of a young boy who is very kind, sensitive and gentle right now,'; 

'If one of my sons grew up like them I would be ashamed of them !'; 'Great doc...these boys influencing even younger boys is purely terrifying stuff. Parents, this is a mist watch...and shows the reason social media should be banned for teens.'

Elsewhere viewers branded the men studied in the documentary 'disgusting and dangerous' as they claimed their behavior was 'insecurity amplified to terrifying levels'.  

They wrote: 'Well that was terrifying,'; '3 minutes in and already screaming at the Tv!!! Bloody incels!'; 'Watching right now. I despair!'; 'Watching this now. Wow, what utterly horrific people! Well done for staying cool,'; 'Insecurity amplified to terrifying levels. Thank you Louis, for the insights,';

'Rewatching for the second time - first watch I was just so utterly furious and gobsmacked I'm not sure whether everything sunk in!!! Another incredible documentary. Bravo,'; 'Steeped in narcissism and self importance, but a bloody good watch,'; 'It's great - as always. Bloody saddening and infuriating though!'; 'Deeply troubling, brilliantly made,';

'This documentary just showed how horrible and hateful some men really are, absolutely awful awful people. All I can say,'; 'Watched it this morning.... such a compelling doc, and such a frightening insight into a sphere even more toxic than I'd feared,';

'Absolute horror film Louis! Well done for showing what happens to those who cannot rise above their childhoods and instead weaponise, monetise and traumatise the young and disaffected for their own gain. I adore your work,';

'Honestly it infuriated me. These people are disgusting and dangerous,'; 'Another masterclass in letting these toxic fools dig their own graves. Well done Louis.'

The synopsis for Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere reads: 'With rare access and no holds barred, the acclaimed documentarian investigates a growing ultra-masculine network and its controversial influencers.' 

The Manosphere itself refers to an online network - including forums, websites and blogs - that promote anti-feminist beliefs, masculinity and misogyny. 

Louis himself sent out a warning to parents of boys following abusive run-ins while filming the documentary. 

The 55-year-old entered their world and learned how these individuals highlight their respective views on traditional gender roles and values. 

At the beginning of the documentary, Louis remarks how he had noticed 'parts of the Internet were being taken over' by male influencers claiming to provide young men with 'cheat codes to win at life'. 

At the beginning of the documentary, Louis remarks how he had noticed 'parts of the Internet were being taken over' by male influencers claiming to provide young men with 'cheat codes to win at life'. 

Louis told The Mirror: 'These aren't figures on the margins - anyone who's got kids, and especially boys, will know that they are making inroads into the culture. Their influence is being felt in schools, in the workplace and all across the internet. 

'These aren't figures on the margins - anyone who's got kids, and especially boys, will know that they are making inroads into the culture. Their influence is being felt in schools, in the workplace and all across the internet.'

Last year the manosphere was explored in the fictional award-winning drama series Adolescence - with Prime Minister Keir Starmer even insisting it be played in schools across the UK paired with anti-misogyny lessons. 

Keir, who admitted he 'found it really hard' to watch the programme with his teenage children, said he supported the decision to make the 'groundbreaking' series available at schools.

'As a father, watching this show with my teenage son and daughter, I can tell you - it hit home hard,' he said in a statement after the meeting with co-writer Jack Thorne.

'As I see from my own children, openly talking about changes in how they communicate, the content they're seeing, and exploring the conversations they're having with their peers is vital.'

Showing the series will 'help students better understand the impact of misogyny, dangers of online radicalization and the importance of healthy relationships,' his office added.

Writer Jack, who has said that children should not be given smartphones until they turn 14, added the show was made to 'provoke a conversation' and 'what we really hope is it'll lead to students talking amongst themselves'.

It was later revealed that schools are set to give students anti-misogyny lessons in wake of the show.

The classes will form part of the government's new relationships, health and sex education (RHSE) guidance, which will be introduced before the end of the academic year.

Though Labour's classroom guidance is still being developed, it is understood to include content to 'support healthy relationships', to 'enable schools to tackle harmful behaviour and ensure that misogyny is stamped out and not allowed to proliferate', an insider source said, the Times reported.

From as early as primary school, children will be encouraged to 'express and understand boundaries, handle disappointment and pay attention to the needs and preferences of oneself and others', with content modified for older children to reflect the 'real-life complexities of romantic and sexual relationships', the source added.