The New York Times Presents: Superspreader (S2EP2 FX Friday August 19, 2022)

Superspreader: Reluctant to receive the Covid vaccine? This doctor disagrees with them. He wants to sell you some pet supplies if you agree. Meet Dr. Mercola, arguably the most significant online propagandist of untrue information about the Covid vaccine.

More than two years into the coronavirus pandemic, public health officials are still struggling to convince people that there is overwhelming evidence to prove that vaccines save lives. Why is there so much distrust? Researchers blame people like Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopathic physician in Florida who has long been a subject of criticism and government regulatory actions for his promotion of unproven or unapproved treatments. More recently, he has become a leading spreader of Coronavirus misinformation online, according to researchers, building a vast operation to push natural health cures and disseminate anti-vaccination content – while reaping immense profits.

Airdate: Friday August 19, 2022 at 22:00 on FX

Season 2 Episode 2

The New York Times Presents hails from the same creative team as The Weekly and also will feature breaking news, investigations and character-driven stories and features reporting from journalists at The New York Times.