 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Food Detectives
- Food Network
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Fun science show solves culinary mysteries.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this fun, informative series features experiments designed to answer questions about food, cooking, and related issues. Although the team of food sleuths sometimes experience temporary discomfort (like dizziness and nausea while being spun around by an amusement park ride after eating), they never suffer any pain. While the experiments featured are safe and simple, it might be a good idea to remind young scientists that not all experiments should be conducted at home -- or without adult supervision.
What's the story?
FOOD DETECTIVES combines scientific experimentation with humor to find answers to some of the greatest culinary questions in today's popular culture. Host Ted Allen (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) leads a team of food techs on a series of simple, safe experiments to test things like finding the best way to cut an onion without crying and investigating the anti-nausea properties of ginger. With the help of scientists, doctors, and technical experts from Popular Science magazine, Allen offers easy-to-follow scientific explanations of the experiments' results.
Is it any good?
The show's unique combination of food science, pop culture, and experimentation creates an amusing formula that offers entertaining but teachable moments for both kids and adults. Granted, watching food techs slice, dice, eat, run, spin, and even sleep in the name of science may not sound very interesting, but Allen's quick wit adds flavor to what could be considered bland technical conversations.
Kids and adults who are interested in science and/or cooking will certainly find this show appealing. Trivia buffs will also be engaged. But while the experiments featured on the show are generally harmless, some of them do cause some mild discomfort. As a result, it might be a good idea to remind kids that not all experiments can or should be conducted at home and/or without adult supervision.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how television can promote science while still being fun to watch. Are TV shows like this one an effective way of teaching about food and science? What are some of the food and/or cooking myths you've heard of? Families can also discuss the ethics of scientific experimentation. What kinds of experiments use human beings as test subjects? Is that always OK?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Fun edu-tainment for the whole family
Food Detectives is a very entertaining show for the whole family to watch. In the style of Mythbusters, every episode tests (cooking) myths and has experiments.
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AGE
Practical science for anybody who eats!
Finally a Science platform show that everyone can relate to! Despite how much you consider yourself to be a "Knowledgeable Foodie" or not...this program has something for everyone! Food Detectives helps establish an appreciation for not only the foods we eat everyday but also for how amazing our bodies are in processing and utilizing food. The show addresses everything from food safety and nutrition to food physics and well....the "end" result of food! Host Ted Allen is great in his clear explanations and demonstrations, making it a show for the whole family to enjoy!
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AGE
Fabulous show!
This show is soooooooo good. I like cooking and it has fun tips and experiments like, if you crush up cereial(sp) that has lots of iron in it, you can pick it up with a magnet!Its a great show.
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AGE
I looked up shows that Common Sense recommends for kids 6-8, and this was one of them. We watched this morning and LOVED it!! The kids and I learned, were interested and entertained. Loved how they showed what happens when you microwave "things that you shouldn't". Can't wait to watch more episodes!
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| Topics: | science and nature |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Food Network |
| Cast: | Ted Allen |
| Genre: | Educational |
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