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30 Minute Meals

(Rated TV-G, Educational, Starring Rachael Ray, Where to watch: Food Network)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Ubiquitous Ray teaches basics. OK for young chefs.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Ray enjoys what she does -- teaching about preparing and cooking food for others. She frequently speaks nicely about her friends, family, husband, and dog.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Very mild innuendo. Ray occasionally talks about a meal being great for date night.
  • Language:

    Nothing to worry about. The worst are phrases like "if you screw up" and "my mom will kill me."
  • Consumerism:

    Ray is everywhere, and she's becoming a brand to rival Martha Stewart -- cooking supplies, cookbooks, magazines, boxes of crackers, more TV shows.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Ray will recommend wines to drink with meals. She's sometimes seen drinking while she eats her cooked meal at the end of the show.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About 30 Minute Meals

Parents need to know that although this foodie show is targeted at adults, kids who like to cook will pick up some basic instruction and exposure to different foods. Because the show is about preparing, cooking, and serving a meal within a short time span, the meals are relatively simple and easy (another kid-appeal factor). Perky hostess Rachael Ray is swiftly developing a brand awareness to rival Martha Stewart's; once they're familiar with Ray, your kids will see her everywhere -- cookbooks, magazines, even on the back of a box of crackers. She's very lively, chatting with viewers (sometimes about preparing a great "date night" meal or how to get through to the person you love through the kitchen) but not always touching on the health aspects of meal preparation.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about different meal ingredients and their origins throughout the world. Which ones are healthy? Which should you avoid? Parents should also address kitchen safety -- using sharp instruments, cooking on a stove top, using an oven, etc. If kids are interested in cooking, this is a great opportunity to whip something up together from start (meal planning) to finish (chowing down).

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 0.0

    dadadad scary itaian woman

    ahh this stinks

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    A clean cooking show for all ages

    How can anyone find this show iffy for kids? This is the Food Network!! The only thing truly objectionable is when Rachael recommends alcohol in some recipes, but she usually provides an alcohol-free alternative to any recipe which may need alcohol. Come on, this show is appropriate for all ages!!

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0

    Curse you Racheal Ray!!!

    As far as I can remember, every Racheal Ray recipe my mother has ever made has been disgusting! There was even one incident with something we call "The Loaf", which was a meat loaf-type thing made with turkey, and it was positively REPULSIVE. Another thing was the Stoop(Stew mixed with soup), and once I saw it I refused to eat it. Everyone said it was disgusting. I forever hate Racheal Ray for ruining countless dining experiences for me.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Yummo!!!

    I don't know how anyone could find anything offensive about this show! I understand that some people find Rachael's perkiness and sillyness annoying, but believe me, she grows on you. A fun show with good looking food and a woman who isn't "perfect" is just what young girls and boys need!

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 0.0

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