 | 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. |
Iron Chef America
- Food Network
- Genre: Game Shows
Common Sense Media says
Fun food battle features creative chefs and great food.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this action-packed series features renowned chefs facing off in a cooking competition. Despite the presence of lots of sharp knives and references to “battles,” the series focuses on technique and interesting dishes. The judges comments sometimes contain some mild sexual innuendo that will go over the heads of most young viewers. Wine, champagne, and cocktails are sometimes served to judges before and during a meal. Kids might not be too interested, but it’s mild enough for cooking fans of all ages.
What's the story?
Based on a hit series from Japan, IRON CHEF AMERICA features famous chefs battling it out in a frenzied cooking competition. Each episode, which is hosted by martial arts expert Mark Cacascos, allows a guest chef to choose one of the Iron Chefs -- Masaharu Morimoto, Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, Mario Batali, or Michael Symon -- to face off against in a one-hour cook-off that requires them to make a four or five course meal. The twist? They must design each of their dishes around a theme ingredient that is revealed to them at the start of the competition. With a team of sous chefs and assistants, each chef uses their latest techniques, high-end cooking gadgets, and ingenuity in order to come up with creative, beautiful, and tasty dishes that will impress a panel of picky food experts. Throughout it all, commentators like Alton Brown and Kevin Brauch add some humor while offering their thoughts about what is going on in the kitchen. The chef receiving the highest score from the judges wins bragging rights.
Is it any good?
The fun and high-energy series showcases how chefs combine humor and culinary genius to quickly create new flavors and sophisticated dishes. While the chefs are too busy to talk extensively about what they are doing while they are cooking, the commentators offer lots of information about the ingredients they are using. They also speculate about the recipes that are being put together.
There’s lots of good-natured bragging and showing off, and on occasion a guest judge takes the competition a bit too seriously. But ultimately, the chefs featured here demonstrate a passion for cooking while having a good time doing it. It’s definitely a great series that’s mild enough for cooking fans to and foodies of all ages savor.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about some of the unique ingredients, techniques, and dishes they see on the show. Where do chefs learn all the things they need to know to create such sophisticated dishes? How do chefs come up with dishes that will work with secret ingredients?
Talk about the show's format. How do you think the chefs and their teams come up with their dishes so quickly? Do you think the secret ingredient is really a surpise, or is that just a gimmick created for the show?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
August 2, 2010
AGE
pretty good show
i like this show.i think it's interesting seeing the secret ingredient and what they make.i think it's also a great way to see what you might want to make for lunch or dinner.
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AGE
YUM!
Me and my mom would be starving! I would talk to my mom about this show!
What other families should know:
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AGE
YUM!
Me and my mom would be starving! I would talk to my mom about this show!
What other families should know:
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Teen, 13 years old
April 29, 2010
AGE
good show
only reason i siad on for 11 and up is younger kids might find it boring
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Kid, 11 years old
April 28, 2010
AGE
BORING!!!!
THIS IS SUPER BORING!!!!!
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Kid, 9 years old
April 13, 2011
AGE
Well, i used to watch food network when i was 4, and still watch it.
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Adult
May 1, 2010
AGE
I started watching this after my 11 year old daughter found it on the food channel. She was already interested in cooking and this made her really excited about it. We like the action and the chefs passion for their work. We also enjoyed who will be the next iron chef.
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Teen, 14 years old
June 21, 2010
AGE
Iron chef America- an ok show!
Iron Chef America is OK. Some episodes are funny.
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Teen, 13 years old
April 24, 2010
AGE
Fun show for all ages!
Grear show, thrilling, and you can't wait until the new one comes out on Sunday!
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| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Food Network |
| Cast: | Alton Brown, Kevin Brauch, Mark Dacascos |
| Genre: | Game Shows |
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