Netflix has just released a highly-anticipated documentary that dives into one of Toronto’s most infamous political stories — the rise and fall of Rob Ford.
“Mayor of Mayhem” dropped Thursday as part of Netflix’s Trainwreck series.
It’s a 49-minute ride through the late mayor’s infamous term from 2010 to 2014 — a time filled with bold promises, big drama, and even bigger headlines. Directed by Shianne Brown, the doc features interviews with journalists, politicians, and people who were close to Ford, shedding light on the chaotic whirlwind that was his time at City Hall.
We’re taken back to 2009, in the middle of a garbage strike, when Ford — already a three-term city councillor — decided to run for mayor. People were fed up, the city was a mess, and Ford’s “man of the people” vibe hit home for a lot of voters. By 2010, he was mayor. And for a while? Things were actually going pretty smoothly.
The doc dives into some of the biggest bombshells — his 2012 conflict of interest case (which almost kicked him out of office), the drunken incidents at public events, and that infamous moment on live TV when he made a crude comment denying oral sex allegations. But of course, the scandal that made global headlines? The crack cocaine saga.
International media ran with the story. Ford became a regular subject of ridicule on American late-night shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live. After his term as mayor, Ford planned to run again in 2014, but was sidelined by a cancer diagnosis. He passed away in 2016 at just 46 years old.
As expected, the new documentary has stirred up strong reactions. Premier Doug Ford — Rob’s older brother — slammed it as “disgusting,” saying, “Leave the guy alone. Let him rest in peace.” He also said the filmmakers should have spoken to people who actually loved Rob.
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Viewers online, however, seem to have a more nuanced take.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) called the film “humorous but disappointingly surface level,” adding, “Not nearly as in depth as I was hoping it would be.” Others were surprised by how empathetic the portrayal felt.
“Rob Ford was very funny. He was a liar. He was an alcoholic and a drug addict, and had no business being mayor. He did Trump before Trump did Trump,” one user posted. “And yet… hard to hate. Worth a watch.”
Whether you loved him, hated him, or just couldn’t look away — one thing’s for sure: Rob Ford’s story still has people talking. And this doc just reignited the conversation.
