Google's Display of Rotten Tomatoes Scores Has Shifted

Google has significantly changed how Rotten Tomatoes scores are displayed in search results, now prioritizing audience scores over critic ratings. Previously, when searching for movie reviews, users would typically see critic scores first, providing an overview of critical reception. However, this has shifted, with Google now prominently featuring audience scores as the primary rating consumers encounter.

This alteration has been observed by users such as wyattyhalpert and billiemelissa_, who have noticed audience scores taking precedence in search results. Screen Rant has reached out to Rotten Tomatoes for comment on this adjustment. Notably, this change coincides with a website redesign, where user reviews are more accessible while accessing critic reviews requires additional steps.

The emphasis on audience scores in both search results and website layout implies a diminished visibility for critic reviews, potentially impacting how the general public perceives a film's reception. This shift could lead to less clarity for users seeking comprehensive insights into a movie's critical assessment.

Moreover, relying heavily on audience scores may introduce vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by past instances of negative review bombing, affecting the reliability of ratings. Consequently, the trustworthiness of Rotten Tomatoes' scores on Google's search results is called into question, raising concerns about the accuracy of a film's perceived quality based on the available reviews.

– Farheen Ali