The WORST episodes of High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

Every episode of High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America!

Black food is American food. Chef and writer Stephen Satterfield traces the delicious, moving throughlines from Africa to Texas in this docuseries.

Last Updated: 2/4/2026Network: NetflixStatus: Continuing

7.04

24 votes

#1 - The Rice Kingdom

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 5/26/2021

In the Carolinas, Stephen looks at the human cost of rice and goes whole hog with Gullah chef BJ Dennis and those preserving Black culinary traditions.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.09

32 votes

#2 - Our Roots

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 5/26/2021

The hunt for African American food's roots goes to Benin, where okra and yam rule the market and pre-enslavement fish and corn plates reign at a table.

7.35

23 votes

#3 - Freedom

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/26/2021

Barbecued brisket meets Senegalese lamb and a Juneteenth feast as Stephen heads to Texas to ride with Black cowboys and take in Jerrelle Guy's cakes.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.45

20 votes

#4 - Our Founding Chefs

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/26/2021

From mac and cheese to Virginia ham: Jefferson's and Washington's renowned enslaved chefs James Hemings and Hercules left the nation hungry for more.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.75

4 votes

#5 - Feeding the Culture

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/22/2023

A Black Panther reflects on the pivotal free breakfast program. Luminaries gather for a special dinner and layered conversation about race and food.

7.83

6 votes

#6 - The Black Mecca

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 11/22/2023

In Harlem, chef Charles Gabriel shares the secret to his pan-fried chicken and other trailblazers tell stories of their ancestors' connections to food.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.86

7 votes

#7 - Food for the Journey

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 11/22/2023

From black-eyed peas to gumbo, African ingredients define New Orleans' signature dishes. Up north, the Great Migration inspires Chicago's culinary style.

Watch Now:Amazon

8.00

6 votes

#8 - The Defiance

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 11/22/2023

Stephen meets former student activists in Atlanta and honors the legacy of the chefs and bakers who fueled and funded the Civil Rights Movement.