# Rotten Tomatoes
Who / What
Rotten Tomatoes is an American review-aggregation website dedicated to film and television content. It compiles critical reviews from various sources, presenting them in a user-friendly format with aggregated scores (e.g., "Critics Score" and "Audience Score") to help viewers assess the quality of movies and TV shows.
Background & History
Rotten Tomatoes was launched in August 1998 by three undergraduate students at the University of California, Berkeley: Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wang. The name originated from a scene in the 1992 Canadian film *Léolo*, where a group of children throw rotten tomatoes to express disapproval. Initially, the site focused on aggregating reviews for films, later expanding to include television shows.
Why Notable
Rotten Tomatoes has become a cornerstone in the entertainment industry by providing an objective way for audiences and critics to evaluate film and TV content. Its aggregated scores help guide decision-making for viewers, making it a trusted resource for recommendations. The platform’s influence extends beyond reviews, shaping cultural discussions and box office trends.
In the News
Rotten Tomatoes remains relevant as a leading review aggregator, continuously adapting to new media formats like streaming services. Recent developments include expanded TV coverage and partnerships with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, reinforcing its role in modern entertainment consumption.
