 | 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. |
Top Chef Just Desserts
- Bravo
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Dessert competition is more bitter than sweet.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Top Chef spin-off -- in which contestants participate in dessert-preparation competitions -- includes some mild sexual innuendo and lots of salty language (words like “damn,” “crap,” “bitch," and “ass” are audible, while “s--t” and “f--k” are bleeped). There's also frequent catty arguing among the contestants (sometimes when they're drunk) and some very unsportsmanlike behavior -- including outright sabotage. Show sponsors like Godiva and Buick are prominently featured, while brands like Kahlua are occasionally visible.
What's the story?
In TOP CHEF JUST DESSERTS -- the latest installment in the Top Chef franchise -- 12 of America’s top pastry chefs whip up creative, deliciously sweet dishes in hopes of winning the Top Chef title. Under the gaze of host/Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, the contestants attempt to show off their baking and pastry skills in a series of challenges designed to test their cooking abilities, creativity, and ingenuity. Their desserts must tempt the tastebuds of a panel of elite judges that includes Simmons, critically acclaimed pastry chef John Iuzzini, and guest judges like Master Chef Hubert Keller and entertaining expert Dannielle Kyrillos. The contestant who makes it through the competition without being eliminated wins major prizes, including $100,000, a car, and, of course, the coveted title.
Is it any good?
This cooking competition series highlights the differences between creating desserts and whipping up savory dishes. It underscores how creating sophisticated desserts requires a mastery of both art and science that requires chefs to be both artists and inventors.
Foodies will definitely enjoy watching spectacular desserts being created, but some of the series' reality show drama is anything but sweet. The competition brings out some very unsportsmanlike behavior in some contestants, including catty arguing and acts of sabotage. And there's also lots of strong language and some drunken behavior. The end result? The show may feature some pretty confections, but it leaves a bitter taste behind.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the different skills required to be a dessert chef vs. a savory food chef. What's the difference between a baker and a pastry chef? What kind of scientific and/or innovative techniques do chefs need to have to create sophisticated dessert plates?
Do you think the contestants' behavior here reflects their real personalities, or are they trying to create a more dramatic reality show experience? Do you think they act this way when the cameras are off? Do you think their behavior will impact their careers in the professional cooking world?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
It's fine!
I don't think this show should be for ages 14+, as the review indicates. It does have some mild language that is audible, but most of it is just bleeped out. Also, the show encourages you to pursue your dreams and to do the best you can in everything because nothing in life is an easy road. All in all, I'd recommend it. My only problem with the show, but most reality TV shows are like this, are the constant commericials.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Bravo |
| Cast: | Gail Simmons, Hubert Keller, John Iuzzini |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
