He’s changed the way we cook, eat, and think about food — but now Jamie Oliver is taking on something much more personal. His new documentary, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution, shines a spotlight on the learning difficulty that shaped his childhood and, ultimately, his career.
Set to premiere in the UK on Channel 4 on June 9, the one-hour film explores Jamie’s own journey with dyslexia and his mission to change how children with learning differences are supported in schools.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Jamie Oliver dyslexia documentary — including how to watch it in Australia.
What is Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution about?
This is Jamie, like you’ve never seen him. In Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution, the British chef and father of five reflects on the lifelong impact of growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia.
“They called me thick, slow, a stupid dunce,” Jamie says in the documentary. “And I believed them.”
Diagnosed at 50, Jamie revisits the pain and confusion of his school years and meets with children who are currently struggling within a one-size-fits-all education system. He calls for earlier screening, better teacher training, and a greater awareness of how neurodiverse kids learn.
“This is the most viscerally painful documentary I’ve ever made,” he told The Times. “I came out crying.”
Why does this matter to Australian families?
While the documentary is UK-based, its message will resonate with parents and grandparents everywhere, including here in Australia. Dyslexia is estimated to affect one in ten people, yet many students still go undiagnosed for years.
In previous interviews, Jamie has spoken about how cooking was his escape and his confidence booster.
“Cooking saved me,” he told us in a past interview. “It was something I could do well. It gave me a voice when school didn’t.”
Now, as a father and advocate, Jamie wants to ensure future generations don’t have to suffer in silence. “If I can make this better for one kid out there,” he says, “then it’s worth it.”
Why is this Jamie Oliver’s most personal work yet?
This isn’t the first time that the celebrated chef has delved into sharing his struggles with Dyslexia. The Weekly sat down with the chef for the June 2023 issue of the magazine to discuss his children’s book, which was inspired by his struggles.
“I think there are about 20 or 30 per cent of kids who are neuro-diverse and struggle with traditional learning,” he said in the interview. “I really do believe in teachers and I really do believe in schools, but I don’t think the government takes it seriously enough and allows these kids to find the confidence to feel hopeful about their challenges.”
“I’ve spent years trying to turn my ‘weakness’ into a strength,” he says. “Now I want to help others do the same.”
When does the Jamie Oliver documentary air?
Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution airs in the UK on Monday, June 9, at 9 pm BST on Channel 4.
Can I watch it in Australia?
At the time of writing, there’s no official Australian broadcaster or streaming platform confirmed, but that may change soon. We’ll update it as soon as it becomes available in Australia.
