Common Sense Media Review
By Kari Croop
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Reality show about family business mixes sweet and sour.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 49 kid reviews
Kids say this show is entertaining and inspiring, showcasing impressive cake creations and promoting hard work while featuring the dynamics of a close-knit family. However, some viewers are concerned about mild swearing, product placements, and the show's appropriateness for younger audiences.
- entertaining show
- impressive cakes
- family dynamics
- mild language
- positive messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
CAKE BOSS follows the day-to-day efforts of Buddy Valastro -- a successful cake artist and master baker at Carlo's City Hall Bake Shop in Hoboken, N.J. -- to keep his family-owned business running smoothly and honor his late father's entrepreneurial spirit. But because Buddy's team also includes his mother, sisters, and brothers-in-law, family quarrels sometimes get in the way.
Is It Any Good?
Cake Boss is clearly taking its cues from the Food Network's Ace of Cakes, a popular reality show following the day-to-day shenanigans at a spirited Baltimore bakery. (Sound familiar?) But while Cake Boss does at-home bakers one better by offering a bit more explanation of complex cake design and difficult decorating techniques, it relies so heavily on interpersonal conflict between Buddy and his extended family that it runs the risk of forgetting that cakes can be fun.
While it's true that Buddy isn't quite as intimidating as, say, Gordon Ramsay, he's less likable than Ace of Cake's jovial baker-in-chief, Duff Goldman. And in a head-to-head taste test between two shows built around baked goods, that could prove to be Cake Boss's downfall.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of "behind-the-scenes" reality shows about businesses. Is it the business that's interesting, or the people who run it? Do you think they're different in real life than they are on the show?
What are the pros and cons of having family members pull double duty as co-workers? Are blood ties a recipe for success -- or disaster? Would you enjoy working with your family? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : April 19, 2009
- Cast : Buddy Valastro , Danny Dragone , Grace Faugno
- Network : TLC
- Genre : Reality TV
- Topics : Cooking
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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