Crime Scene Kitchen
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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Crime Scene Kitchen
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Crime Scene Kitchen is a cooking competition show where teams of bakers follow clues to figure out what to make. The chefs work in teams of two, made up of friends, couples, or family members. Each round begins with the chefs examining a used kitchen space and trying to figure out what dessert was made there. They then try to recreate the mystery dessert on their own. Despite the show title and referring to messy kitchens as crime scenes, no violence is featured. Positive messages include problem solving, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles and mistakes. The show is hosted by Joel McHale (Community, The Soup) and features Yolanda Gampp (YouTube's How to Cake It) and Curtis Stone (Top Chef Masters) as judges.
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What's the Story?
Each episode of Crime Scene Kitchen features teams of chefs racing to recreate classic desserts based on clues found from an earlier mystery bake. Teams of two compete to figure out what dessert was made in each "crime scene," then to make their own version of that dessert. Joel McHale (Community, The Soup) hosts, with help from judges Yolanda Gampp (How to Cake It) and Curtis Stone (Top Chef Masters).
Is It Any Good?
It's one thing to have an intriguing premise, but it's another thing for that premise to remain exciting after a season's worth of episodes. Crime Scene Kitchen has a sharp hook, as teams of chefs try to figure out what happened in a kitchen before they got there. But it feels like the series is simplified to the point where the premise becomes dull. The "crime scenes" only feature desserts, which puts a limit on the types of ingredients and techniques that are seen. Contestants still have a tough time cracking the puzzles, but because baking is such a specific skill, it's easy to see right away which teams are good and which aren't. For a show about solving mysteries, it's unfortunately light on suspense.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about desserts. What are your favorite desserts? Do you know how they are made? Are you familiar with the desserts featured on Crime Scene Kitchen?
How do the contestants figure out what was made in the Crime Scene Kitchen? What strategies are successful or unsuccessful? How would you approach the puzzle?
What obstacles do the contestants face while cooking? How do they deal with them? What qualities do the successful chefs have? Are you rooting for any teams? What makes you like them?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 26, 2021
- Cast: Joel McHale, Yolanda Gampp, Curtis Stone
- Network: Fox
- Genre: Game Shows
- Topics: Cooking and Baking
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Food fails are hilarious in this comedic competition.
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Chopped
Drama-free cooking show that's great for family viewing.
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Dessert-focused cooking competition is mild but a bit dry.
For kids who love cooking and food
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