Chef Hunter
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Chefs compete to lead restaurants; some salty language.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
CHEF HUNTER is a competition series where chefs compete to win a job. Each week three unemployed chefs, all recruited by culinary recruiter Carrie McCully, must go head-to-head in the kitchen for an executive chef position in a top restaurant. In addition to preparing delicious food, each job candidates must also create menus, serve full meal services, and calculate profit margins for the dishes they prepare. They must also demonstrate that they have the leadership skills to run a kitchen. From making the ultimate burger to shmoozing investors, each candidate must showcase the culinary skill, leadership qualities, and business acumen required for the position if they want a shot at landing a job that can change their lives.
Is It Any Good?
It's a cooking competition, but the show's real focus is on the multiple skills a chef must have in order to hold an executive position. It also highlights the balancing act that a executive chefs must perform in order to protect restaurant owners' investment interests and satisfy picky guests while still staying true to their craft.
Despite some dramatic music, it lacks the theatrical flair of Iron Chef America and the edginess that shows like Top Chef are known for. But it does serve up a fair share of entertaining moments, some of which will leave you conflicted about who should ultimately get the job. Younger viewers may not be interested in what's on this series' menu, but foodies who like this sort of thing will definitely enjoy it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of food and restaurant reality shows. Is it the food or chefs that make these shows popular? How have cooking shows changed over time? Are today's food-centered shows designed to teach, or to entertain?
What must a person do to become a successful chef? Is it possible to be a great chef without formal training? Is it important to travel to different countries to study international cuisines? Why is it so important for executive chefs to have some business knowledge?
TV Details
- Premiere date: November 6, 2011
- Cast: Carrie McCully
- Network: Food Network
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: June 1, 2023
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