Netflix AI-generated posters for Chef & My Fridge criticized for quality issues
Netflix faced criticism in January 2025 for using AI-generated promotional artwork for the Korean cooking show Chef & My Fridge, with fans noting visible anomalies like misplaced fridge handles and distorted objects. The incident reflects broader concerns about AI replacing human artists in creative work and follows similar backlash over an Arcane promotional poster.
What happened
Netflix's promotional poster for the Korean cooking show Chef & My Fridge featured AI-generated artwork containing visible anomalies including misplaced fridge handles on the inside, melting bananas, uneven wall tiles, and random item placement.
Fans quickly noticed the quality issues and the poster appeared to be completely AI-generated, in contrast to a previous incident with Arcane where AI was used to expand a promotional image.
Reported impact
Viewers expressed concern over the quality and integrity of promotional materials and called out Netflix for apparently prioritising financial performance over human artistry.
The incident underscores concerns within the creative industry about AI replacing human artists' contributions.
Index analysis
Netflix's decision to use AI for promotional images appears to have stemmed from a desire to cut costs and streamline production processes.
The backlash highlights a growing concern within society about the role of AI in creative fields and the need for companies to balance innovation with ethics.
Governance controls
Despite the controversy, Netflix has not yet responded to the criticism.
This incident follows a similar situation involving Netflix's Arcane, where a promotional poster was criticized for using AI-generated elements, and Riot Games' brand lead expressed that the use of AI was 'disrespectful to the incredible artists who worked on the show.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.