Rotten is an investigative documentary series produced by Zero Point Zero, focusing on corruption in the global food supply chain.[1] The show's first season was released on Netflix in January 2018,[2] and the second season in October 2019.[3] Each show "dives deep into the food production underworld to expose the corruption, waste and real dangers behind your everyday eating habits,"[4] featuring interviews with manufacturers, distributors, and others. The series uncovers wrongdoing by corporations who control the food that we eat.
Episodes
Season 1
No.
Title
Directed by
Original release date
1
"Lawyers, Guns and Honey"
Lucy Kennedy, Bill Kerr
January 5, 2018 (2018-01-05)
2
"The Peanut Problem"
Ted Gesing, Bill Kerr
January 5, 2018 (2018-01-05)
3
"Garlic Breath"
David Mettler
January 5, 2018 (2018-01-05)
4
"Big Bird"
Ted Gesing
January 5, 2018 (2018-01-05)
5
"Milk Money"
Lucy Kennedy
January 5, 2018 (2018-01-05)
6
"Cod Is Dead"
David Mettler
January 5, 2018 (2018-01-05)
Season 2
No.
Title
Directed by
Original release date
1
"The Avocado War"
Lucy Kennedy
October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
2
"Reign of Terroir"
Abigail Harper
October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
3
"Troubled Water"
Daniel Ruetenik
October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
4
"A Sweet Deal"
Lucy Kennedy
October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
5
"Bitter Chocolate"
Abigail Harper
October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
6
"High on Edibles"
Daniel Ruetenik
October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
Reception
The second season was nominated for an News & Documentary Emmy Award for "Outstanding Business and Economic Documentary"[5] and the reporting team — journalists Christine Haughney, Erin D. Cauchi,[6] and Gretchen Goetz — won the 2020 James Beard Media Award for "Visual Reporting (on TV or Online)."[7] General reception to the series has also been positive,[8] with an average rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes.[9]
The first season was praised[10] for its "exploration of how corporate greed and corruption have quite literally changed the nature and origins of the food America consumes." It also received accolades for high-quality cinematography and compelling, human-centered narratives but criticized[by whom?] for focusing on particular issues rather than providing explanation for wider industry problems,[11] or giving the viewer answers as to which brands and products are unaffected by the issues the series presents.[12]
