TV Junkie

TV Junkie tells the striking story of Rick Kirkham, a former TV reporter and correspondent for Inside Edition. It presents an intimate portrayal of Kirkham’s battle with drug addiction, particularly crack cocaine, which ultimately cost him his career, family, and nearly his life. Drawing from over 3,000 hours of personal video footage recorded by Kirkham himself since his teenage years, it offers an intimate look into his downward spiral.

The documentary follows Kirkham’s journey from a promising journalist to a “functioning addict,” showcasing his professional achievements contrasted with his deteriorating personal life. It captures raw moments of drug use, family conflicts, and professional setbacks, including an incident where Kirkham interviewed President George H.W. Bush while under the influence of crack. The film also depicts the toll of addiction on his family, particularly his wife Tami and their two young sons. Kirkham’s account of his life is honest and serves as a warning to those who let their addictions get the better of them.