Top Chef Masters

Review

Common Sense Media says

Famous chefs compete for charity in milder spin-off.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Top Chef spin-off is significantly milder than its parent series -- perhaps because the competitors are already famous and are vying to contribute to their charity of choice rather than a lucrative personal prize. That said, the chefs do occasionally lose their cool, and there's some strong language (the iffiest words are bleeped) and plenty of brand/product placement. Also, alcohol is frequently used as an ingredient, served with dinner, and enjoyed by relaxing or celebrating chefs.

  • Positive messages0
    A few chefs have big egos, but in the end they're competing for the chance to contribute to charity, which is a worthy goal. Not much diversity among the competitors.
  • Positive role models2
    The chefs like to boast about their talents, but ultimately they are working hard to raise money for charity.
  • Violence0
    Some chefs lose their cool under pressure and argue with or yell at sous chefs.
  • Sex0
    Some very mild sexual innuendo, including a reference to a shower scene after one chef steams pasta in a bathroom.
  • Language3
    Words like "hell" and "damn" are audible, while words like "s--t" and "f--k" are "bleeped".
  • Consumerism4
    Brands like Glad, Lexis, and other sponsors are prominently featured in each episode. Each chef owns a restaurant; their eateries are often talked about, and restaurant names are featured on their uniforms.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Wine and hard liquor are sometimes used as ingredients in dishes. Wine is usually served with dinner. One chef wants to have a shot of tequila to calm his nerves down. Wine and champagne are often waiting for the chefs after they stand before the judge’s table.
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What's the story?

In TOP CHEF MASTERS, 24 five-star chefs leave their successful restaurants behind to compete in the ultimate culinary showdown. In the first six episodes, groups of four chefs compete for a spot in the championship round -- and a cash donation to the charity of their choice. Their dishes must impress a picky panel of judges, including New York restaurant critic Gael Green, culinary expert James Oseland, London food critic Jay Rayner, and a wide variety of guests. In the finals, the six winners must outshine each other by preparing the best cuisine of their lives. The last chef in the kitchen wins $100,000 for their chosen charity and the coveted title of Top Chef Master.

Is it any good?

 

The show's overall tone is different from that of its parent series because the chefs' primary motivation is their desire to help their favorite charity -- rather winning money for themselves. The fact that they're already famous in the culinary community also means that they don't have to be obnoxious or show off to convince anyone of their talents. And the judges are a little bit nicer, too.

It's definitely a milder approach, and it allows viewers to watch how these talented chefs can turn cooking even the simplest dish into an art form. Some viewers may miss the dramatic tension of contestants bickering with one another or arguing over ingredients. But those who enjoy cooking -- or who can appreciate what really puts a chef on top -- will definitely find something here.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the popularity of cooking shows and televised cooking competitions. Are these shows supposed to teach you how to cook, or are they simply meant to be entertaining? Families can also discuss what it takes to be a "star" chef. What kind of training does a chef have to go through in order to be called a chef rather than a cook? How do chefs get rated? Who rates them?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-14
Network:Bravo
Cast:Gael Green, James Oseland, Kelly Choi
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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