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The Chopping Block

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Marco Pierre White, Where to watch: NBC, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Cooking competition has mild content but lacks flavor.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Contestants compete for the chance to win cash and prizes, so there's standard game show/reality competition greed in play. Chef White and food critics are haughty and often harsh in their criticism, but it's intended to help the contestants succeed in the business. Participants are from all walks of life.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Arguments are frequent among the stressed-out contestants. White uses metaphors like "the critic loads the gun, but I will pull the trigger -- but no weapons are ever visible. One contestant is missing fingers on one hand and briefly discusses how she lost them in a kitchen accident.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Words like "pissed off" and "balls" are audible. Stronger curse words ("s--t," "f--k") are bleeped and mouths are blurred.

  • Consumerism:

    The series is a promotional vehicle for Chef White. It also showcases some well-known restaurant critics from across the country, including Corby Kummer and Jeffrey Steingarten.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Wine and cocktail consumption is visible during meal services and tastings. The competitors often drink wine after a service.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Chopping Block

Parents need to know that while this reality show -- in which couples compete for prizes designed to help them open their own restaurant -- showcases some of the skills and strategies necessary for running a successful restaurant, it's primarily a promotional vehicle for the show's host, celebrity chef Marco Pierre White. The content is milder overall than that on similar shows like Top Chef and Hell's Kitchen, there is some strong language ("pissed off," "balls"; stronger words are bleeped), as well as frequent arguments and a fair bit of drinking during meal services.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the popularity of food and restaurant-themed TV shows. What's the appeal? Are these shows intended to showcase the realities of cooking and running a restaurant, or is it more about promoting famous chefs? Families can also discuss what it takes to open a restaurant. What are some of the challenges? Is being a good chef enough to have a successful restaurant? Why or why not? If you had a chance to open a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve?
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