April 20th: A Green Light for New Streaming Content
April 20th, a date synonymous with cannabis culture, has become a day for celebration, and increasingly, for entertainment. In 2021, streaming services recognized this burgeoning trend, unleashing a wave of new series tailored to a growing audience interested in cannabis and its multifaceted lifestyle. The offerings ranged from true crime investigations to culinary competitions, reflecting the expanding mainstream acceptance of cannabis and its cultural impact. This year saw the debut of several new series, signaling a shift in how the entertainment industry is approaching this evolving landscape.
Sasquatch: Unraveling a Mendocino County Mystery
One of the most intriguing additions to the 4/20 streaming lineup was “Sasquatch,” a three-part crime docuseries available on Hulu. The series delves into a chilling 1993 incident that occurred in Mendocino County, California. The narrative centers on a journalist’s investigation into a series of alleged murders, where the purported culprit was none other than the legendary cryptid, the Sasquatch. This unusual premise provided a hook for viewers looking for a blend of true crime with a touch of the extraordinary. The docuseries aimed to examine the murky details surrounding the deaths of three men and explored the various theories and speculations surrounding the case, adding an element of suspense and intrigue to the viewing experience. “Sasquatch” offered a different take on the cannabis-adjacent theme, attracting viewers with a taste for mystery and the unknown, appealing to an audience that might not typically be drawn to shows solely about cannabis.
Chopped 420: Edibles Take Center Stage
Discovery+ entered the cannabis-themed programming arena with “Chopped 420,” a culinary competition show that put gourmet edibles in the spotlight. This show presented a fresh spin on the popular “Chopped” format, challenging chefs to create delectable dishes incorporating cannabis. The premise itself was a sign of the times, showcasing the increasing sophistication and culinary artistry involved in cannabis-infused cooking. Contestants were tasked with turning mystery ingredients into extraordinary cannabis-infused meals, while the judges assessed taste, presentation, and the overall creative use of cannabis. “Chopped 420” demonstrated how far cannabis cuisine has come, moving beyond simple brownies and into a realm of gourmet flavors and sophisticated techniques.
Cooked With Cannabis: Netflix Joins the Culinary Craze
Netflix, a major player in the streaming world, also recognized the growing demand for cannabis-themed content and introduced “Cooked With Cannabis.” Similar in concept to “Chopped 420,” this show explored the creative possibilities of cannabis-infused meals. It featured chefs who experimented with cannabis as a key ingredient, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The show offered viewers an in-depth look at how cannabis can be incorporated into various cuisines, showcasing the versatility of the ingredient. The series’ debut further solidified the industry’s recognition of cannabis culture and its growing influence on mainstream entertainment.
The Mainstreaming of Cannabis Culture
The simultaneous release of these series on April 20, 2021, marked a significant moment in the mainstreaming of cannabis culture. The availability of diverse programming, ranging from true crime investigations to culinary competitions, highlighted the evolving ways in which cannabis is being embraced by the entertainment industry. These shows not only catered to the existing cannabis community, but they also aimed to broaden the appeal, offering compelling content that appealed to a wider audience. The increasing visibility of cannabis-related content on major streaming platforms indicates a clear trend toward greater acceptance and normalization, signaling a shift in both cultural perceptions and the entertainment landscape. The diverse range of content reflected the multifaceted nature of cannabis culture itself, acknowledging its presence in different areas of life, from mystery to cuisine. The streaming debut of these series on 4/20 showed how the entertainment industry is capitalizing on the cultural shift, creating content that celebrates and explores the diverse aspects of cannabis culture.
