Post Radical

Post Radical is a gripping, insightful, and sometimes irreverent documentary series that aired on the Viceland US Network in 2018. It is a unique exploration of the wild, weird, and wonderful world of skateboarding through the adventures and investigations of pro skateboarder and professional instigator, Rick McCrank. Post Radical is not your ordinary sports documentary; rather it's a travelogue, personal journey, cultural exploration, and examination of the colorful, surprising, and fascinating subcultures that make up the global skateboarding community.

At the core of this engaging series lies McCrank's spirited quest to investigate the essence of skateboarding and its ever-evolving cultures all around the globe. Be it in war-torn regions or bustling metropolises, in upscale neighborhoods or obscure outskirts, Skateboarding, as portrayed by McCrank, is more than a recreational activity or sport; it's a lifestyle, a form of personal and communal expression, and a means of creating constructive social change.

Each episode of Post Radical operates as an independent story with its unique setting, theme, and colorful characters. From exploring the female skateboarding scene in Los Angeles, the skateboarding revolution in China to the high-pressure world of competitive skateboarding in Norway and even a group of senior citizens in Santa Monica learning to embrace the sport in their later years, the locations, people, and themes are as diverse as they are intriguing.

Every nook and corner of the skateboarding universe is explored in this series, revealing subcultures within the culture that most are unaware of. McCrank introduces us to characters such as skateboarding priests, skate park builders, blind skateboarders, and a group of individuals getting involved in what can only be called, "off-the-wall" extreme sports, thus presenting a novel perspective of the skateboarding culture.

One of the remarkable aspects of Post Radical is its ability to portray both the eccentric and endearing sides of skateboarding, showcasing how the activity bears different meanings to different people, but the common thread binding them is their love and passion for this unconventional sport. The series also does an excellent job of capturing the camaraderie within the skateboarding community, irrespective of region, culture, or socio-economic standing.

McCrank himself is the heart and soul of Post Radical. As a veteran professional skateboarder with over two decades of experience, he brings credibility, authenticity, and a deep-seated understanding of the sport that can only come from a lifetime of living and breathing it. Unlike many travelogue hosts, McCrank brings a thoughtful, empathetic perspective to every encounter, proving an insightful guide who is as interested in the people he meets as he is in their tricks or culture.

Post Radical is much more than a show about skating; it's an exploration of communities, cultures, and the human spirit. It addresses various socio-cultural issues and often explores the sport's role as a tool for freedom, communication, and community-building. In each chapter, viewers can expect a deep-dive into a distinctive subset that broadens the understanding of what it means to be a skateboarder.

The series captures the exhilarating dynamism and cultural relevance of skateboarding with remarkable charm. It reflects the edgy, non-conformist ethos that skateboarding has always embodied. However, beneath the radical antics, scintillating tricks, and occasional wackiness, there's an underlying message of unity, resilience, creativity, and the incredible power of a shared passion.

Visually, the show is stunning. From the beautifully shot skateboarding sequences to the brilliantly captured local sceneries, every frame of Post Radical is a delight to the eyes. This, coupled with an evocative soundtrack and the immersive narratives, results in a series that is a genuine cultural artifact, full of vitality, profundity, and kinetic energy.

In conclusion, Post Radical is an unconventional, deeply immersive documentary series that goes far beyond the surface to capture the soul of skateboarding and the vibrant subcultures it has created around the globe. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the skateboarding universe from a unique perspective, providing an exhilarating tour through the lives, cultures, and stories that make this sport what it is today. Loaded with humor, contemplation, information, and stellar visuals, Post Radical is an electrifying journey into the heart of skateboarding subcultures and the spirit of skateboarding itself.