Cooked poster

TV series

Cooked

2016TV-PG1 season7.2 / 10

Explored through the lenses of the four natural elements – fire, water, air and earth – COOKED is an enlightening and compelling look at the evolution of what food means to us through the history of food preparation and its universal ability to connect us. Highlighting our primal human need to cook, the series urges a return to the kitchen to reclaim our lost traditions and to forge a deeper, more meaningful connection to the ingredients and cooking techniques that we use to nourish ourselves.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

Cooked is available to stream on Netflix in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

Availability and prices can change. Confirm the details on the streaming service before you subscribe, rent or buy.

Synopsis

Explored through the lenses of the four natural elements – fire, water, air and earth – COOKED is an enlightening and compelling look at the evolution of what food means to us through the history of food preparation and its universal ability to connect us. Highlighting our primal human need to cook, the series urges a return to the kitchen to reclaim our lost traditions and to forge a deeper, more meaningful connection to the ingredients and cooking techniques that we use to nourish ourselves.

Season 1 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

Fire

59m8.0 / 10

With help from Aboriginal hunters and a barbecue pit master, Pollan shows how fire shaped human gastronomy, and weighs our duty to the animals we eat.

Episode credits

Directed by Alex Gibney

Where to watch Cooked

Episode 2

Water

50m

Pollan looks to the kitchens of India for a lesson in the value of pot cooking and examines the consequences of eating highly processed food.

Episode credits

Directed by Caroline Suh

Where to watch Cooked

Episode 3

Air

53m

Visit food labs and Moroccan fields as Pollan delves into the science of bread-making and the nature of gluten.

Episode credits

Directed by Ryan Miller

Where to watch Cooked

Episode 4

Earth

52mfinale

Discover how microbes help turn raw ingredients into delicacies like chocolate and cheese as Pollan tackles the mysterious process of fermentation.

Episode credits

Directed by Peter Bull

Where to watch Cooked

Episode information updated Jul 22, 2026

More about Cooked

Cast

Michael PollanSelf

Credits

Created by
Michael Pollan, Alex Gibney

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Miniseries
Episodes
4
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • Netflix
  • Jigsaw ProductionsUnited States

Themes

based on novel or bookcookingculinary artsfoodworld cuisine