Rotten Tomatoes has introduced a new “Verified Hot” badge, which indicates a high level of user approval, with a Verified Audience Score of 90 percent or higher. This badge will join the existing “Certified Fresh” badge, which is based on critic scores. Additionally, a “Hot” badge will be awarded to content with a Verified Audience Score between 60 percent and 90 percent, while those with a score below 60 percent will receive a “Stale” badge.
To combat review bombing, Rotten Tomatoes is verifying user reviews by requiring proof of ticket purchase through Fandango, a ticketing firm owned by Comcast, the same parent company as Rotten Tomatoes. However, this approach has its limitations, as it does not account for tickets purchased through other means, such as at the theater box office.
Furthermore, this verification process only applies to movies, leaving TV shows vulnerable to review bombing. The lack of a verification process for TV shows raises questions about the effectiveness of this new system.
Some critics argue that this move will only serve to confuse users, with multiple badges and scores creating a cluttered and unclear landscape. The distinction between “Hot” and “Fresh” badges may be lost on casual users, potentially undermining the site’s credibility.
In a separate effort to improve the site’s credibility, Rotten Tomatoes is updating its critic review requirements. For smaller films, a minimum of ten reviews will be required before a Tomatometer score is displayed, while blockbusters will need at least 40 reviews. This change aims to address concerns about the weighting of critic reviews, which previously gave equal importance to reputable and less reputable sources.
The new “Hot” badge has already been awarded to several popular films, including Deadpool & Wolverine, Twisters, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, with over 200 films receiving the badge retroactively.
