British comedian Mo Gilligan spent 28 days [1] eating fried chicken for every meal in a new Netflix [3] documentary.
The project, titled "Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy," uses a personal health experiment to examine the broader implications of the global fast-food industry. By documenting the physical and mental toll of a restricted diet, Gilligan aims to draw attention to industrial farming and labor issues.
Gilligan followed a strict regimen of three meals per day [2] consisting entirely of fried chicken. While the experiment began as a curiosity, the comedian described a rapid decline in his well-being. "The dream quickly became a nightmare," Gilligan said [4].
The documentary explores more than just personal health. It investigates the cultural history of the global obsession with fried chicken and the systemic issues behind the food's production [5]. This includes an analysis of labor exploitation, and the environmental impact of industrial farming practices [5].
Gilligan discussed the project during an appearance on Good Morning America in the U.S. [6]. He used the platform to explain how the self-imposed diet served as a gateway to uncover a "dark, complicated industry" [3].
Throughout the 28-day [1] period, the film tracks how the repetitive diet affected Gilligan's mental state and physical health. The narrative connects these personal struggles to the larger corporate structures that prioritize profit over public health, and worker rights [5].
“"The dream quickly became a nightmare"”
By blending a personal 'stunt' with investigative journalism, the documentary attempts to humanize the systemic failures of the fast-food supply chain. It positions the individual consumer's health as a mirror to the health of the industry's labor force and the environment, suggesting that the convenience of fast food hides significant societal costs.
