Netflix’s new documentary Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem tells the wild true story of Rob Ford, the former mayor of Toronto. The film shows his rise to power, his shocking scandals, and his tragic downfall. It releases on June 17, 2025, at 3 AM ET.
Rob Ford was a loud, aggressive politician who became mayor in 2010. He was known for his rude comments, public fights, and love for helping ordinary people. But his career crashed when a video showed him smoking crack cocaine. The scandal made him famous worldwide.
The documentary includes interviews with journalists, city workers, and Ford’s own team. It shows how he denied the video at first, then later admitted to using drugs. Despite the scandals, many people in Toronto still supported him.
Ford’s story is full of drama, addiction, and political chaos. The film also compares his tactics to those of Donald Trump. Both men attacked the media and refused to admit their mistakes. Ford’s life ended sadly when he died of cancer in 2016 at age 46.
Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem is part of Netflix’s Trainwreck series. The series covers big disasters, scandals, and shocking events. Other episodes include the Astroworld tragedy and the “poop cruise” disaster.
The documentary runs for 49 minutes. It is rated for strong language and drug content. Director Shianne Brown wanted to show Ford as a real person, not just a scandal. She interviewed his staff, journalists, and even his former driver.
Ford’s brother, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, refused to join the film. The family has stayed quiet about Rob’s struggles. The documentary uses old videos, news clips, and new interviews to tell the full story.
One big moment in the film is when Ford’s chief of staff, Mark Towhey, talks about confronting him. Towhey asked Ford if the crack video was real. Ford replied, “There is no video,” instead of saying he didn’t do it.
Ford’s scandals included public drunkenness, racist remarks, and even knocking over an elderly councilwoman. Despite this, he kept a loyal fan base. Many working-class people loved him for his anti-elitist views.
The film also shows how Ford’s addiction took over his life. Reporters saw him drunk at events, slurring his words, and acting strangely. His team often made excuses for him, but the truth was hard to hide.
In 2013, police confirmed the crack video was real. Ford still refused to quit as mayor. He went to rehab in 2014 but returned to politics soon after. A cancer diagnosis forced him to drop his re-election campaign.
Journalist Robyn Doolittle, who wrote a book about Ford, is a key voice in the documentary. She explains how reporters got the crack video and how Ford’s team tried to stop the story.
The film asks tough questions about addiction, power, and forgiveness. Should Ford be remembered for his scandals or his policies? Did the media treat him fairly, or did they make his life worse?
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Trainwreck: Mayor of Mayhem is a fast, shocking look at a man who became a global joke. But it also shows the human side of a politician who struggled with addiction. Fans of true crime and political drama will find it gripping.
Credits: Netflix Tudum
