Parents' Guide to

Chopped Junior

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Kid cooking competition is fun and family-friendly.

TV Food Network Game Shows 2015
Chopped Junior Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 8+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Anthony P.
Anthony P. Parent of 7-year-old
July 2, 2022
age 4+

A really educational show for kids about cooking!

(From my 8 year-old) I liked how they gave kid's baskets of foods that showed their abilities. Not all kids were good role models...some of the kids were show-offs.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Gadgeteer
Gadgeteer Adult
July 23, 2019
age 14+

A somewhat entertaining show

The interactions with the child contestants is entertaining. Although alcohol is available to the children for cooking purposes, it is inappropriate and in a subtle way is promoting the use of alcohol. The judging appears to be inconsistent- they need to use a rubric.

This title has:

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Hosted by Ted Allen, CHOPPED JUNIOR is a reality competition featuring kids showing off their cooking skills for a cash prize. Following in the footsteps of its parent series, Chopped, each episode features four kids between the ages of 8 and 13 who are given timed cooking challenges, during which they must make mouth-watering appetizers, entrées, and desserts from surprise ingredients. Judging their food are pros chef Scott Conant and celebrities such as Martha Stewart and Mila Kunis. After three elimination rounds, the remaining junior chef wins a $10,000 prize.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (3):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The fun, family-friendly series offers viewers a chance to see how kids can be creative in the kitchen. The young contestants aren't only smart, confident, and articulate but they also reveal a willingness to try new things and take chances. In exchange, judges offer constructive feedback while remaining supportive.

There are lots of warm and fuzzy moments here, but ultimately it is a competition. Like the adult competitors in the senior series, the cast sometimes gets frazzled, which can result in the occasional tear come elimination time. But overall, it's a positive show that teaches a few lessons about cooking food.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about cooking. Do you have to go to school to learn how to cook? Do you have to follow a recipe to make good food? Does watching people cook on TV make you want to try it?

  • What do cooking and food tell us about different cultures? What kinds of traditions are associated with food in your family?

TV Details

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