The Awful Truth

Watch The Awful Truth

  • 1999
  • 1 Season
  • 6.6  (2,276)

The Awful Truth is a comedic investigative journalism series starring Michael Moore, created and aired on the Bravo network between 1999 and 2000. With a focus on human rights, social issues, and corporate corruption, the series aims to expose the 'awful truth' behind issues that are often ignored by mainstream media.

Each episode features a mix of pranks, interviews, and stunts, as Moore and his team of correspondents set out to challenge those in power and give a voice to those who are often marginalized. From joining a group of workers striking against unfair labor practices to confronting politicians about their campaign funding sources, The Awful Truth is a bold and often controversial exploration of the many injustices that plague modern society.

One of the main strengths of The Awful Truth is its ability to balance hard-hitting political commentary with humor and satire. Rather than preach to the audience, Moore and his team are able to use laughter and absurdity to engage viewers and encourage them to think critically about the issues at hand. Whether it's staging a 'dead-in' outside a major pharmaceutical company to protest skyrocketing drug prices or using hidden cameras to expose the mistreatment of animals in the meat industry, The Awful Truth is never afraid to use unconventional methods to make its point.

Despite the humor and levity, however, The Awful Truth is always grounded in a deep sense of empathy and humanism. Moore and his team are not simply interested in exposing wrongdoing for the sake of controversy, but rather in raising awareness and effecting change. Whether it's advocating for increased access to healthcare or fighting against police brutality, the series is rooted in a strong sense of compassion and justice.

Part of what makes The Awful Truth so compelling is Moore himself. Known for his outspoken political views and willingness to challenge authority, Moore is the perfect host for a series that seeks to take on systemic injustices. With his trademark baseball cap and blue-collar demeanor, Moore is a relatable and down-to-earth figure who is unafraid to speak truth to power. Whether he's leading a group of schoolchildren in a protest against their cafeteria's unhealthy food or confronting a corporate CEO about environmental pollution, Moore brings a sense of urgency and passion to every episode.

The Awful Truth also benefits from its diverse cast of correspondents, who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the show. From the outspoken anti-war activist Medea Benjamin to the former NYPD detective Randy Jurgensen, each correspondent brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to the series. This allows The Awful Truth to cover a wide range of issues, from gun violence to immigration to the prison-industrial complex, with nuance and depth.

One of the most powerful aspects of The Awful Truth is its ability to spark real change. Unlike many other investigative journalism shows, which are content to simply expose wrongdoing without offering a path forward, The Awful Truth frequently encourages viewers to take action. Whether it's encouraging people to attend a protest or providing resources for those struggling with addiction, the series is always looking for ways to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Overall, The Awful Truth is a groundbreaking and influential series that remains relevant today. With its mix of humor, activism, and investigative journalism, the show serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power and fighting for social justice. Whether you're a longtime fan of Michael Moore or simply interested in exploring the many issues facing our society today, The Awful Truth is a must-watch series that will leave you both informed and inspired.

The Awful Truth is a series that ran for 1 seasons (12 episodes) between April 11, 1999 and on Docurama

The Awful Truth
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Seasons
NAFTA Mike / Strikebreakers / The Merger
12. NAFTA Mike / Strikebreakers / The Merger
June 27, 1999
NAFTA Mike: NAFTA sent your job to Mexico. Mike goes south to find it.Strikebreakers: Expert strikebreakers decide to unionize.The Merger: Chrysler merges with Daimler-Benz. Mike throws them a wedding.
Weapon Inspectors / The 'Make a Wish Foundation' / We Find Hillary a Date
11. Weapon Inspectors / The 'Make a Wish Foundation' / We Find Hillary a Date
June 20, 1999
Weapons Inspectors: The US is inspecting Iraq's weapons, so Moore gets some Arabs to inspect ours.The "Make a Wish Foundation": The Make a Wish foundation was forced to let a child shoot a bear. What won't they allow?We Find Hillary a Date: Hillary needs a date. Mike tries to find the right man.
Crackers vs. The Egg Farm / The Michael Moore Playset / American Apartheid / Bill Gates' Housewarming
10. Crackers vs. The Egg Farm / The Michael Moore Playset / American Apartheid / Bill Gates' Housewarming
June 6, 1999
Crackers vs. The Egg Farm: Crackers, the Corporate Crime Fighting Chicken goes to see how his fellow chickens live.The MIchael Moore Playset: Now the whole family can pretend to be Michael Moore.American Apartheid: America has learned how to keep the appearance of racial harmony, while keeping blacks far, far, away.Bill Gates' Housewarming: Bill Gates just moved into his new home. Mike gets him a housewarming gift.
Hail Turdonia / Teen Sniper / Hitler Makes a Withdrawal
9. Hail Turdonia / Teen Sniper / Hitler Makes a Withdrawal
January 1, 1999
Hail Turdonia: Since Ted Turner is America's largest private landowner, he should have his own country, complete with flag and national anthem.Teen Sniper School: A parody ad for a summer camp, featuring sniper training for children. (Unaired)Hitler Makes a Withdrawal: Swiss banks accepted billions of dollars worth of items stolen by the Nazis from victims of the Holocaust at the end of WWII but refused to return it to survivors and family members. The Awful Truth sends "Adolf Hitler" to Switzerland to get the money back.
Montana Shacks / Joe Camel Needs a Job / LucyCam #3
8. Montana Shacks / Joe Camel Needs a Job / LucyCam #3
May 30, 1999
Montana Shacks: Michael Moore visits Montana, a state known for it's beauty as well as being the home of The Unabomber.Joe Camel Needs a Job: The famous spokescamel visits the New York Career and Job Center, looking for work.LucyCam #3: In the third week of this segment Michael calls Lucy. He then reveals to her that he's filming her.
Cohen is a Wimp / LucyCam #2 / Manpower, Inc
7. Cohen is a Wimp / LucyCam #2 / Manpower, Inc
May 23, 1999
Cohen is a Wimp: William Cohen's Secretary of Defense seems like he's sort of a wimp. To compensate, he bombs medicine factories and embassies.LucyCam #2: Mike recaps the LucyCam story.Mind That Memo: Manpower, Inc. sent a memo to each of their offices to ask them not to allow him in. Moore tests to see how many read it.
Work Care / LucyCam / Air-Drop TVs on Afghanistant
6. Work Care / LucyCam / Air-Drop TVs on Afghanistant
May 16, 1999
Work Care!: Under a system called WorkCare, people who can't pay their hospital bills can do jobs around the hospital. Across the street, Moore decides to start a pilot program of his own.LucyCam: Lucianne Goldberg has no problem violating the President's privacy, so Moore decides to violate hers. He sets up a webcam across the street to film her apartment 24 hours a day.Air-Drop TV's on Afghanistan: The Taliban banned TV's. so Moore air-drops some for the citizens.
The Awful Truth Man of the Year / TV Pundits / 150 Feet from NBC
5. The Awful Truth Man of the Year / TV Pundits / 150 Feet from NBC
May 9, 1999
The Awful Truth Man of the Year: Ira Rennert has the distinction of being one of the largest polluters in the country, as well as owning one of the largest houses on Long Island, with over 30 bathrooms. Moore tracks him down to give him his award.TV Pundits?: Which has more favorable audience response: George Will or (a) a jackhammer, (b) scraping fingernails on a blackboard, or (c) a guy chewing aluminum foil?150 Feet from NBC: Michael receives a restraining order courtesy of Mr. Rennert, to keep him from the Rockefeller Center area (where Rennert's company, Renco, has its offices). Unfortunately, it also means he can't get to NBC Studios, where he's due to tape a segment of "Late Night With Conan O'Brien".
Sal, the Bill Collector / Duck and Cover
4. Sal, the Bill Collector / Duck and Cover
May 2, 1999
Sal, The Bill Collector: UPS fails to keep a promise they made to their union. Time to send in Sal, the Awful Truth's bill collector.Interlude: "Thomas Jefferson" protests the impeachment hearings. "I had an affair, big deal," he says.Duck and Cover: India and Pakistan start an arms race. But do their citizens know how to duck and cover?
Crackers vs. Mickey Mouse / The Voice-Box Choir
3. Crackers vs. Mickey Mouse / The Voice-Box Choir
April 25, 1999
Crackers vs. Mickey Mouse: Crackers goes to Disney World to meet Mickey Mouse and talk about Disney's treatment of its employees. His reward? Getting thrown in Disney jail.The Voice-Box Choir: Mike brings Christmas carolers to entertain tobacco company executives and lobbyists. The twist: all of the carolers lost their voice boxes due to smoking.
Beat the Rich / The Sodomobile
2. Beat the Rich / The Sodomobile
April 18, 1999
Beat The Rich: Wealthy and working-class people are asked about common things. Questions asked include: the price for Dom Perignon, price of one share of IBM stock, and ingredients needed to make a Macaroni and Cheese dish.The Sodomobile: A hot pink Winnebago full of gay men and women travels thru states with anti-sodomy laws on the books. Fred Phelps, whose Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, KS is infamous for picketing funerals of gays and their supporters, makes an appearance.
A Cheaper Way to Conduct a Witch Hunt / Funeral at an HMO
1. A Cheaper Way to Conduct a Witch Hunt / Funeral at an HMO
April 11, 1999
A Cheaper Way To Conduct A Witch Hunt: Moore shows Ken Starr how to perform a cost-effective witch hunt.HMO Funeral: A funeral is staged outside of an HMO's corporate headquarters. The (soon to be) deceased? A policyholder who was refused a lifesaving pancreas transplant by the HMO.
Description
Where to Watch The Awful Truth
The Awful Truth is available for streaming on the Docurama website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Awful Truth on demand at Amazon and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    April 11, 1999
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (2,276)