Netflix's new documentary Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy, starring British comedian Mo Gilligan, began streaming today (August 5), and it's already being hailed as a potential game-changer for how viewers perceive one of the high street's most ubiquitous foods.
Mo Gilligan's 28-Day Fried Chicken Experiment
In his debut documentary for the platform, Gilligan, known for The Masked Singer, embarks on a remarkable journey. He describes himself as a devoted fried chicken fan and volunteers for an audacious experiment: consuming fried chicken three times daily for 28 consecutive days.
Throughout the month, he travels from South London to the United States, uncovering the historical roots of fried chicken and the social, economic, and industrial factors driving its widespread consumption. This includes everything from fast-food outlets to industrial-scale farming, and the consequences for health, environment, and dietary habits.
Challenging Stereotypes and Uncovering Dark Revelations
As a Black British comedian, Gilligan also aims to challenge negative stereotypes linked to the dish, exploring how it's been culturally appropriated and marketed in contemporary society. The documentary reveals "shocking and dark revelations" that force him to confront disturbing truths behind his beloved takeaway, inspiring deeper questions about food sources and encouraging more thoughtful dietary decisions.
Prior to its launch, the film was already being touted as among Netflix's 'wildest food documentaries', with some commentators predicting it would inevitably change how certain viewers regard a fast food staple. It has drawn immediate comparisons to the 2004 documentary Super Size Me, where Morgan Spurlock ate McDonald's for a month. While that film was hugely successful, it later faced scrutiny over some claims, and Spurlock acknowledged drinking alcohol during production before his death in 2024.
Early Reviews and Viewer Reactions
With Big Chicken only recently released, reviews are limited, but some critics have shared their thoughts. The Guardian called it "funny, slick and accessible" but noted it "doesn't uncover anything new." Another critic acknowledged the trial "represents the most extreme end" of fast food intake, yet certain sequences feature "incredibly shocking stuff." A further review suggested it's an "enjoyable, eye-opening and relatively educational ride all the same."
One viewer who watched it early took to social media: "All jokes aside, Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy was extremely eye opening and really made us think about what we consume and how it affects our mental health. Definitely give it a watch."
Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy is now streaming on Netflix.
